Soil carbon check

The amount of CO₂ which can be stored in the soil is up to three times that stored above ground.

Specifically, therefore, the 4 ‰ initiative aims to improve organic matter content and promote carbon sequestration in soils through the application of agricultural practices which are adapted to local economic, environmental and social situations; rather than adopting a one-size fits all approach.

24% of global soils are estimated to be degraded, including 50% of agricultural soils, with twice the estimated amount of carbon being stored in soil organic matter compared to atmospheric CO₂. The 4‰ initiative, therefore, looks at agricultural practices such as agro-ecology, agroforestry, conservation and landscape management, in order to improve soil carbon storage.

Eurofins Soil Carbon Check

Eurofins Agro Testing offers Soil Carbon Check, a specific testing service which provides unique data on the amount of carbon captured in the soil.

By performing this test, you gain insights into the quality of carbon in the soil and therefore understand the possibilities for farmers and growers to improve the soil carbon content; by modifying their practices. For example, tilling the soil less often or sowing green manures can improve carbon storage.

Sustainable soil claims

There is an ever-increasing demand from consumers for sustainable food products, of which sustainable soil management is the beginning. In addition, various systems are being developed to reward farmers for their efforts to capture CO₂.

Eurofins Agro’s Soil Carbon Check makes it possible to prove and claim sustainability in the agri-food chain, and for CO₂ capture.

Advantages of increased soil carbon storage

Increasing soil carbon storage is important for contributing to reducing global warming through increased CO₂ capture. There are also benefits to the farmers and growers as soil carbon is often considered the most important element of soil health, improving

• Physical soil health; e.g. workability, water holding, root penetration
• Chemical soil health; e.g. potassium, calcium and magnesium ion binding
• Biological soil health; e.g. biodiversity, workability, disease impression, nitrogen and sulphur mineralisation

Improved soil health in turn contributes to reducing food poverty through increased food security.

Soil Health Solutions

Visit our soil health solutions pages to find out more information about how Eurofins Agro can help improve your soil health, through our range of solutions and services.