We really must start to talk about a topic that is fundamental to our future – the health, productivity and carbon sequestration potential of our soil. It is extraordinary that we can plan a trip to Mars and yet be largely ignorant of the healthy functioning of our soil and how vital it is to our future.
Soil has the potential to play a huge role in carbon sequestration. Historic carbon content of soils centuries ago was 7-8% but much of our agricultural land now holds less than 2% principally through the use of the plough and other damaging practices like the lack of cover crops in cash crop dormant periods and the excessive use of ‘ides’ in all their forms. These tactics destroy bacteria, fungi and in short order thereafter release carbon back into the atmosphere. Considering soil holds more carbon than the entirety of the atmosphere, if we change our agricultural/land use practices on a large enough scale, we can make a significant impact on reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
And we can!! - I would recommend the following two publications to read:
Dirt to Soil – one family’s journey into regenerative agriculture by Gabe Brown
For the love of soil – strategies to regenerate our food production systems – Nicole Masters
Thank you for your interest and support, it means a lot!