What is Carbon Farming?
Carbon farming is a set of agricultural practices that aim to increase the amount of carbon stored in the soil and vegetation (biomass) of agricultural lands. These practices enhance the natural carbon sequestration capacity of ecosystems on farms, turning farms into net carbon sinks.
Why is Carbon Farming important?
Carbon farming is important because it leverages the vast potential of agricultural lands to draw down atmospheric CO₂. Beyond climate mitigation, it delivers significant co-benefits such for soil health (e.g., increased organic matter, water retention), biodiversity, and farm resilience, while also potentially increasing yields.
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Frequently asked questions
Common practices include no-till/reduced tillage, cover cropping, diversified crop rotations, applying compost and biochar, improved grazing management, and integrating trees into farming systems (agroforestry).
Carbon farming practices increase soil organic matter, which improves soil structure, water infiltration and retention, nutrient cycling, and provides habitat for beneficial soil microbes.
The permanence of carbon stored through carbon farming depends on the continuity of practices. If practices are discontinued, stored carbon can be released. Long-term commitment to these practices is key.