Evaluating land-use and land management impacts on soil organic carbon in Irish agricultural systems

Project Description

Agriculture contributes over one-third of national greenhouse gas emissions, with the majority arising from livestock production. Both Food Wise 2025 and Origin Green initiatives aim to simultaneously increase agricultural production, whilst also reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing sustainability associated with that production. Conversely EU Climate and Energy Framework targets require a 30% reduction in emissions. Carbon sequestration associated with pastures and improved grassland management could provide a mitigation option without impacting on agricultural production. In addition, improved soil carbon should lead to better nutrient cycling and soil nutrient availability. More accurate quantification of carbon sequestration in grasslands is essential to allow reporting to Tier 2 and 3 levels and to provide information that allows for both effective reduction and mitigation of carbon emissions at both the field and national level. Management practices that can increase soil organic carbon stocks to mitigate climate change will provide the basis for inclusion of grassland soils into both carbon trading schemes and life-cycle assessments, which will assist the sector both in terms of carbon credits and a reduced carbon footprint on agricultural produce