Organics and soil carbon - increasing soil carbon, crop productivity and profitability

‘Managing the Carbon Cycle’ Katanning Workshop 21-22 March 2007 www. amazingcarbon. com 19 Organics and Soil Carbon: Increasing soil carbon, crop productivity and farm profitability Andre Leu Chair, Organic Federation of Australia PO Box 800 Mossman Qld... More

‘Managing the Carbon Cycle’ Katanning Workshop 21-22 March 2007 www. amazingcarbon. com 19 Organics and Soil Carbon: Increasing soil carbon, crop productivity and farm profitability Andre Leu Chair, Organic Federation of Australia PO Box 800 Mossman Qld 4873 leu@austarnet. com. au Abstract This paper explains how atmospheric carbon is introduced into the soil and how it stored in stable forms. It identifies the farming techniques that are responsible for the decline in soil carbon and gives alternative practices that do not damage carbon. Increasing soil carbon can reduce the 25% of Australia s greenhouse gases created by agriculture and assist in ameliorating climate change. Increasing soil carbon will ensure good production outcomes and farm profitability. Soil carbon, particularly the stable forms such as humus and glomalin, increases farm profitability by increasing yields, soil fertility, soil moisture retention, aeration, nitrogen fixation, mineral availability, disease suppr Less