Potential of Agricultural Carbon Sequestration in Emission Reduction and Productivity Enhancement

A estudio reciente publicado en Alimentos naturales by researchers at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) examines the potential of carbon sequestration on agricultural land to mitigate climate change. The study highlights the ability of agricultural practices to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2) in soil and plants, which could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a major contributor to global warming.

Carbon sequestration on farms can be achieved through various techniques, including planting cover crops, using biochar (a form of charcoal derived from organic waste), and practicing agroforestry, where trees are planted alongside crops. These methods have the potential to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store it in the soil, turning agricultural land into a carbon sink.

According to the study, these practices could match the emissions reductions of large-scale afforestation by 2050, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Implementing carbon sequestration on agricultural land not only aids in climate change mitigation but also has the potential to improve agricultural productivity and resilience, benefiting the agriculture, forestry, and land use sectors. The study suggests that these methods could help achieve net-zero emissions in these sectors by 2050, with costs ranging from $80 to $120 per ton of CO2 equivalent.

The economic implications are significant. The study indicates that agricultural carbon sequestration could reduce global economic output losses by 0.6% by mid-century, compared to scenarios without these practices. Additionally, farmers could potentially earn up to $235 billion by 2050 through financial incentives for carbon storage, assuming a carbon price of $160 per ton of CO2 equivalent.

However, the study also points to challenges, particularly in the Global South, where institutional, structural, and social barriers may hinder the widespread adoption of these practices. To realize the potential of agricultural carbon sequestration, effective institutions, monitoring systems, and policy incentives will be essential. The authors stress the importance of swift action to unlock this potential and ensure fair compensation for farmers’ efforts.