Is measuring carbon good for business? Science of soil carbon – NSW (Video)
In this Local Land Services NSW video, soil scientist Susan Orgill (Select Carbon) explains that building soil organic matter is vital for soil health, groundcover is essential, conservation agriculture has reversed much soil carbon loss, and soil carbon aids climate mitigation. She covers the importance of soil organic matter: what it is, what’s in it (nutrients), the flow of carbon around the landscape (particularly below ground) and how the different types of soil carbon formed. Soil carbon can be influenced by the types of plants grown, through soil nutrition, and by protecting and stabilising soil (using ground covers, stubble retention and matching nutrient requirements to build carbon). The productivity benefits of increasing soil carbon are nutrient cycling, water infiltration and storage. Susan explains how soil carbon levels are calculated. The nationally accepted test for monitoring soil carbon is the ‘dry combustion method’. The Australian Government has identified 13 eligible management activities including addressing soil constraints, increasing pasture use or improving pasture function, increasing soil cover and irrigation. She also explains how the Australian carbon market works and how to assess the opportunity to engage in the carbon market for your property. While this presentation was delivered in NSW, it is nationally relevant [34:59].#
This is a carefully curated database of important soil resources. The data base is not exhaustive but rather a library of the resources we believe are the most useful for the audience. Each resource has been added after careful consideration against our selection criteria, including but not limited to its scientific validity, accessibility, and readability. The library generally does not include most academic research papers but may include some open-source papers written in accessible English.
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SSA reminds users that these resources are a guide only. Our understanding of soil science is improving continuously so it is important to check the suitability of the information for your purpose with an appropriately qualified professional such as a Registered Soil Professional or a Certified Professional Soil ScientistÂ
