The opportunities and limitations of carbon capture in soil and peatlands
Read the full reportThe report highlights soil's crucial role in carbon sequestration, noting that the UK's soil carbon pool, including peatlands, represents 94% of the country's terrestrial biosphere carbon stocks. With an estimated 0.5% loss of soil carbon between 1998 and 2007 due to intensive management, protecting existing soil carbon stores is essential, as losses are rapid and rebuilding is slow. The report emphasises the potential to increase soil carbon sequestration through land use change and improved management practices, while also recognizing the co-benefits for soil health from these changes.
The report focuses on the role of soil and peatlands in carbon sequestration, acknowledging soil as a significant carbon store which, if managed well, can aid in achieving Net Zero emissions.
Soil stores more carbon than vegetation globally. The UK’s soil carbon pool, including peatlands, represents approximately 94% of the UK terrestrial biosphere carbon stocks.
The UK has lost an estimated 0.5% of soil carbon between 1998 and 2007 due to intensive management activities. Protecting existing soil carbon stores should be a priority as losses are rapid and rebuilding is slow.
Soil carbon sequestration is typically slow and can be rapidly reversed by activities such as tillage, drainage, and excessive fertilisation. The report emphasises the realistic potential to increase soil carbon sequestration through land use change and improved management practices (strategies such as land use change, habitat restoration, and changes in management practices, including regenerative agriculture).
It also emphasises the importance of soil health co-benefits from management changes, given the slow renewal rates of soil organic carbon.
Recommendations for policy implementation
- Prioritise protecting current soil carbon stores to prevent rapid losses.
- Implement sustainable land management practices that improve soil health and carbon sequestration, such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, and organic amendments.
- Encourage conversion of arable land to grassland or woodland, which can lead to increased soil carbon sequestration over time.
- Enhance soil health monitoring programs and support further research to understand soil carbon dynamics and improve sequestration techniques.
Read the full report
The opportunities and limitations of carbon capture in soil and peatlands