Carbon Farming
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Napa RCD and its LandSmart® RCD partners are working with North Coast farmers to develop Carbon Farm Plans
General Info
The importance of carbon in the soil
Carbon which is stored in soil is an incredibly important part of the wider carbon cycle which is a fundamental part of life on earth. ‘Soil organic carbon’ (SOC) – the amount of carbon stored in the soil is a component of soil organic matter – plant and animal materials in the soil that are in various stages of decay. Soil organic carbon is the basis of soil fertility. It releases nutrients for plant growth, promotes the structure, biological and physical health of soil, and is a buffer against harmful substances
How can I get involved?
Napa RCD is seeking growers who are interested in working with us to develop Carbon Farm Plans for their properties.
Contact
Miguel Garcia
Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager
(707) 690-3122
What is Carbon Farming?
Farming naturally absorbs and stores carbon in soil organic matter, but common agricultural practices, like plowing and tilling, diminish this ability by breaking apart the soil and releasing its stored carbon into the atmosphere. The phrase ‘carbon farming’ means using farming methods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and/or capture and hold carbon in vegetation and soils. Carbon farming can cover small changes in land management – like introducing no-till cropping, stubble retention, agroforestry, or methane-reducing feed supplements. Many of the techniques used in carbon farming are consistent with best practice management approaches for sustainable agriculture. They not only reduce the levels of CO2 being released into the atmosphere, but they can lead to an improvement in farm efficiencies and profitability.
Benefits of carbon farming
Carbon farming has a direct, beneficial impact on the environment, as it captures carbon dioxide that would otherwise contribute to global warming. Soils have a great capacity to sequester carbon, in some cases being able to contain up to five per cent carbon by weight. Increasing soil organic carbon has a great potential to improve soil health, water holding capacity, crop and forage production, water conservation, and on-farm habitat. Carbon Farm Plans may be developed for vineyard, range, orchard, and forest properties.