Why increasing soil carbon is overrated
2 Feb 2023
Dutch researchers have found that yield effects of increasing soil carbon are inconsistent, ranging from negative to neutral to positive.
Using an extensive literature review and modelling, the researchers say they found little justification for the current global excitement around increasing soil carbon. While estimated contributions of soil carbon sequestration to climate change vary, almost none take account the fact that the increment in soil carbon always wears off over time to reach a maximum – the saturation level.
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