Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

The role of soil carbon in natural climate solutions

Déborah Bossio, Susan C. Cook‐Patton, Peter W. Ellis, Joseph Fargione, Jonathan Sanderman, Pete Smith, Stephen A. Wood, Robert J. Zomer, M. Unger, I.M. Emmer, Bronson W. Griscom

Nature Sustainability · 2020

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Summary

This Nature Sustainability paper examines soil carbon sequestration as a component of natural climate solutions, synthesising evidence on the role of agricultural and land-management practices in carbon storage. The authors assess the technical potential, co-benefits for soil health and productivity, and policy implications of soil-based mitigation strategies across diverse farming systems. As suggested by the scope and timing, the work contextualises soil carbon within broader climate goals and acknowledges both opportunities and limitations in relying on soil sequestration for emissions reduction.

UK applicability

The findings are relevant to UK agricultural policy and climate commitments, particularly for meeting net-zero targets and supporting transitions toward regenerative farming. UK soils and temperate farming systems are included in the global evidence synthesis, and the policy recommendations may inform guidance for farmers and land managers in adopting carbon-sequestering practices.

Key measures

Soil carbon sequestration rates (tonnes CO₂ equivalent), mitigation potential by practice type, baseline carbon stocks, additionality and permanence of carbon storage

Outcomes reported

The study assessed the potential of soil carbon sequestration across different land-use and management practices to contribute to global climate change mitigation targets. It evaluated the scale, permanence, and co-benefits of soil-based carbon solutions in natural climate solutions frameworks.

Theme
Climate & resilience
Subject
Soil carbon & organic matter
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Global
System type
Mixed farming
DOI
10.1038/s41893-020-0491-z
Catalogue ID
BFmovbmhmv-on0006

Topic tags

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