Optimisation of Carbon Sequestration in Agricultural Soils

There is a European policy requiring countries to make progress in reducing emissions and sequestering carbon. This goal includes a commitment to increase the absorption of 310 million tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030.

According to the 2021 inventories, beef cattle generate 3.57% of GHG emissions (MITECO; 2023). The inventory values ​​consider only emissions associated with enteric fermentation and manure management. However, they do not assess carbon sequestration. Therefore, this project primarily responds to two key needs:
• The beef sector's response to social and political pressure regarding its actions to develop its own strategy, complementary to that required by public authorities, to contribute to climate change mitigation.
• The need to maintain and conserve the environment and the activity in which beef cattle production takes place in rural areas. This activity also provides a wide range of ecosystem services in our region.

Block 1. Typification of systems and selection of those farms that will finally be included in the sampling. 

Block 2. Analysis of the two main Soil Organic Carbon sampling protocols in Europe

Block 3. Laboratory analysis of soils, obtaining carbon content, SOC (tC/ha), by group/typed system. Statistical analysis of the results and obtaining average data by typology.

Block 4. Identification of the best techniques associated with optimising carbon sequestration using all the information obtained so far. Preparation of guides on best techniques to increase carbon retention.

Block 5. Design and development of a free tool for the beef sector

Block 6. Development of the application with which to obtain soil information. Once validated, the App will be implemented in farms and companies in the sector, thus incorporating new users. Finally, the results obtained will be presented.