This publication explores how EU policies support soil carbon (SOC) sequestration to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. It challenges the conventional approach of estimating carbon storage potential based on theoretical mineral capacity, proposing instead an "effective MAOC capacity" that accounts for real-world environmental and management constraints. Using multiple datasets, the study maps SOC vulnerability and highlights areas at risk of carbon loss or with high sequestration potential.
The publication concludes that the majority of EU agricultural soils require additional protective measures, such as cover cropping, improved crop rotations, reduced tillage, deep rooting crops, increasing organic amendments and agroforestry.
Moreover, it provides insights that can be used to implement more targeted and effective carbon management practices in agricultural soils, optimising both the area covered and the interventions that maximize carbon storage in stable form.
Publication date: 18/03/2024
The publication is available on Nature Communications.