Scotland backs carbon storage

The aim is to increase overall soil carbon levels by 0.4 per cent annually, which the project states equates to an additional 4% in the normally worked top 30 cm.

Announcing support for the initiative at COP 26 yesterday, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“Our vision for the future of Scottish agriculture is a positive one. I am seeking to transform how we support farming and food production to make Scotland a world leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture. Healthy soils have a vital role to play in this vision.

“We are already encouraging agricultural practices that optimise soil healthy and carbon storage and we are supporting peatland restoration, including on farm land.”

While the proposals behind the initiative are open to adaptation to meet the needs of specific countries and environments key elements include: never leaving soil bare and working it less by using min and zero-till options; introducing more intermediate crops, row intercropping and grass strips; adding to hedges at field boundaries and introducing agroforestry; optimizing pasture management with adapted grazing patterns and rotations; restoring land in poor condition, and improving water and fertiliser management and use of organic manures and compost.