Evidence review of the potential wider impacts of climate change Mitigation options: Agriculture, forestry, land use and waste sectors
Read the full reportThe report highlights the importance of integrating soil health and carbon sequestration practices into broader agricultural and environmental policies. By adopting practices such as peatland restoration, afforestation, optimising soil pH, agroforestry, and the use of legumes, policymakers can simultaneously address climate change mitigation and soil health improvement. These practices offer co-benefits that extend beyond carbon sequestration, contributing to water quality, biodiversity, and the resilience of agricultural systems.
Peatland restoration is identified as a highly effective mitigation option for enhancing carbon sequestration although some challenges are noted, such as the potential for increased nitrogen and phosphorus leaching into water bodies during the initial stages of restoration.
Afforestation is highlighted as a significant contributor to both soil health improvement and carbon sequestration, but it is noted that it can have mixed impacts depending on the location and species used.
Proper pH management can reduce the need for excessive fertiliser application, thereby minimising nitrogen leaching into water systems and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions associated with fertiliser use. Optimising soil pH can enhance microbial activity, which plays a critical role in organic matter decomposition and carbon cycling in soils. There are also co-benefits for water quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, making this a cost-effective mitigation option with significant environmental benefits.
Incorporating legumes into crop rotations is recognised for its ability to improve soil health through biological nitrogen fixation. Legumes contribute to soil fertility, enhance soil structure, and support soil microbial communities, all of which are crucial for maintaining healthy soils. The organic matter contributed by legume residues adds to soil carbon stocks, supporting long-term carbon storage in agricultural soils.
Agroforestry enhances soil health by increasing organic matter, improving water retention, and reducing soil erosion.
Recommendations for policy implementation
- Promoting the use of precision farming techniques to optimise soil pH.
- Supporting afforestation and peatland restoration projects to sequester carbon.
- Encouraging the incorporation of legumes in crop rotations to improve soil health.