Summary
This systematic review evaluated the feasibility of the '4 per 1000' soil carbon sequestration initiative across 24 European countries by synthesising country-specific literature on achievable SCS measures. The authors found substantial geographic variation in SCS potential (0.1–27% of GHG compensation), with no country meeting the 4‰ annual target, and highlighted the critical need for methodological standardisation, improved data harmonisation, and integration of national/regional expertise in SCS accounting.
UK applicability
The study includes UK data within its pan-European analysis and suggests that country-specific knowledge and improved measurement approaches are essential; UK practitioners and policymakers should expect that national SCS estimates will differ substantially from pan-European models and require locally calibrated assessments of technical feasibility and trade-offs.
Key measures
Annual soil organic carbon (SOC) stock increase (percentage); agricultural GHG emissions offsetting potential (percentage range); country-specific SCS potential; tier ranking of SCS measurement approaches (tier 1–3)
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated country-specific soil carbon sequestration (SCS) potentials for 24 European countries, estimating that between 0.1% and 27% of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions could potentially be compensated annually through SCS measures. None of the countries' SCS potential reached the aspirational 4‰ annual increase goal of the 4 per 1000 initiative.
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