Carbon credits are picking up steam in the world of agriculture. Many farmers are now looking to tap into their potential.
But what actually are carbon credits, how do they work, and most importantly, how do they benefit your farm?
Let’s take a look.
WHAT ARE CARBON+ CREDITS FROM AGRICULTURE?
A carbon credit is a certificate that states one metric ton of CO2 has been removed or reduced from the atmosphere.
When it comes to farming, carbon credits are created based on the CO2 you draw down from the atmosphere into your soil through regenerative agriculture, or by avoiding emissions through reduced fuel and fertiliser usage.
Regenerative agriculture is a way of farming that restores and enhances farmland. It pays a lot of attention to soil health, improving the water cycle and storing carbon in the process.
It includes a long list of benefits, including being up to 60% more profitable than traditional farming methods after six years.
Through carbon credits, you can generate a new income stream as you make the change.
HOW DO CARBON CREDITS WORK?
Carbon can be thought of as any other crop on your farm. The way you manage the land will directly influence the yield.
You implement practices on your farm that increase the carbon in the soil, which is then monitored, verified and sold on the voluntary carbon market.
This process is repeated yearly for 5 years
WHICH FARMING PRACTICES GENERATE CARBON CREDITS?
There are several practices associated with regenerative farming. Many of these are also a great way of generating carbon credits. .
Still, it’s important to note that when it comes to regenerative agriculture, context is everything. Just because an approach works on one farm doesn’t mean it will on another.
Taking time to map out your desired outcomes, production model, soil type, and weather conditions is an important first step.
Regenerative livestock grazing
Regenerative grazing, or Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP), is an approach that utilises short term livestock grazing at high stocking densities with long periods of forage rest. The system mimics the natural pattern of dense herds of wild ruminants. A grazing chart is used to plan, record, monitor and adapt accordingly. There are several benefits including improved animal welfare, soil health, and water infiltration.
Agroforestry
Is a collective name for land-use systems where woody perennials (trees, shrubs, bushes, etc.) are deliberately used on the same land-management units as agricultural crops or grasslands. It can lead to a number of benefits for your farm, such as increased productivity, habitat for wildlife, improved soil function, and carbon sequestration.
Cover crops
Plants sown intentionally to keep the soil covered and improve the physical, chemical or biological character of the soil. Cover crops help prevent erosion, improve soil structure, regulate moisture, attract pollinators, and assist in weed and pest management. Leaving cover crop residues on the field is also a great way to sequester carbon.
Residue management
Involves leaving organic materials on your field after the crop has been harvested and/or grazed. Includes stalks, stubbles, leaves, and seed pods. The intention of this is to keep the soil surface covered, protect the soil against nutrient loss & add organic matter to the soil. Residue management offers a source of nutrients for succeeding crops, in turn improving productivity, while also improving soil carbon sequestration.
Organic matter application
Involves the application of hay (including bale grazing for livestock), manure or compost directly to the soil in different types of land use e.g. arable crops or in tree orchards. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve several soil characteristics, including soil organic matter, water retention, and biological activity. It positively impacts soil carbon and can lead to increased productivity.
Reduced /no synthetic fertilisers
Involves reducing or stopping the application of synthetic fertilisers on your farm, namely Nitrogen based ones. Chemical inputs are phased out and replaced with organic alternatives and other inputs such as compost or manure. Reducing synthetic fertiliser use leads to a reduction of NO2 (nitrous oxide) emissions. It can reduce leaching and groundwater pollution. It can also significantly reduce costs on the farm and improve the overall farm ecosystem.
Minimum or no-till
No-till involves no soil disturbance through tilling, ploughing, disking, chiselling or any other kind of soil cultivation. On the other hand, minimum till refers to minimal soil disturbance of up to 10cm deep. Reduced tillage or no-till farming practices can help to keep soil structure intact, reduce erosion and increase soil biological activity. It can also help to increase the soil’s organic matter and water-holding capacity.
Reduction of fossil fuel usage
involves decreasing emissions on the farm. Carbon+ Credits are calculated both from the carbon you remove from the atmosphere and reductions in the business. Management practices such as no-till limit fossil fuel usage, while the transition to renewable energy can also be utilised. In turn, this can significantly reduce business expenses while increasing Carbon+ Credits.
CLOSING REMARKS
From resilience against extreme weather, increased profits, water security and farm productivity, the benefits of regenerative farming are unmatched.
By participating in our Carbon+ Program, you can improve the health of your farm and boost your bottom line, all whilst accessing a new income stream to support you along the way.
