Summary
This field-based study evaluated 20 Finnish farms implementing carbon sequestration practices, identifying widespread but non-universal constraints limiting carbon sequestration across three mechanistic stages: crop-driven limitations on plant growth, soil structure and moisture effects on microbial processing, and waterlogging and sulphur deficiency effects on carbon stabilisation. The findings suggest that bringing all farms to the performance level of best performers could substantially close the gap between theoretical and realised sequestration potential and productivity.
Regional applicability
The identified constraints—particularly those related to soil moisture, structure, and sulphur deficiency—are likely to resonate in UK contexts with comparable pedoclimate. However, crop suitability and optimal management practices may differ, requiring UK-specific validation of the proposed interventions.
Key measures
Soil physical, chemical and biological quality indicators; plant productivity; satellite monitoring data; soil carbon sequestration rates; limitations classified by stage of sequestration (plant growth, microbial activity, carbon stabilisation)
Outcomes reported
The study identified specific constraints limiting soil carbon sequestration across three mechanistic stages: plant growth (crop choice and leaf area limitations), microbial activity (soil structure and moisture stress), and carbon stabilisation (waterlogging and sulphur deficiency). Performance varied substantially across farms, with best-performing farms demonstrating significantly higher productivity and sequestration potential than average farms.
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