CARBON 4 SOIL QUALITY
There is growing concern about climate change caused by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Therefore, much attention is being paid to various innovative ideas and technologies that have the potential to increase carbon sequestration through changes in agriculture and forestry as well as geoengineering techniques such as carbon capture and storage.
While most of the Earth's carbon is stored in the oceans, soils harbour about 75% of the carbon on land, which is three times the amount found in living plants and animals. Carbon is stored in soil mainly as organic matter. An increase in this substance not only promotes carbon sequestration but also improves the quality of the soil by increasing water and nutrient retention. In addition, it contributes to an improved soil structure, minimizes erosion, and consequently increases water storage in the soil. Ultimately, these positive effects contribute to greater food security, as they increase soil biodiversity and provide a good habitat for soil-living organisms.
Consortium partners will take up the challenge of establishing a methodological basis and developing a “Toolbox for carbon farming” consisting of:
- Catalogue of soil organic reference values;
- Methodology for organic carbon analysis and soil quality monitoring;
- Guidelines for carbon farming techniques,Carbon farming business models;
- Recommendations on agriculture carbon credit schemes and environmental certification systems.
Analysis and development of methods for organic carbon farming and soil quality monitoring specific to these regions will lead to more efficient guidelines and recommendations for farmers applying the new farming techniques. To promote the uptake of the developed carbon farming models, carbon credit and certification schemes will be prepared and training material will be designed to help farmers adopt carbon-friendly practices in different regions of the Mediterranean.
Project duration: January 1st 2024 – March 31st 2026.
Partners:
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia (SI) as the lead partner,
- Institute for Sustainable Development (SI),
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (EL),
- University of Almeria (ES),
- Ri.nova Cooperative Society (IT),
- University of Padova (IT),
- University of Montenegro, Biotechical Faculty (ME),
- University "SS Cyril and Methodius" - Institute of Agriculture (MK).
Total budget: EUR 598,890.00
Interreg Fund: EUR 479,112.00
Project Carbon 4 Soil Quality is supported by the Interreg Euro-MED programme and co-funded by the European Union.
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Check also
Carbon Farming CE
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