A report by the Soil Association Exchange highlights that farms using a mixed enterprise system with both arable crops and livestock can increase soil organic carbon (SOC) by one-third compared to farms growing crops alone.

Key Research Findings

• Data was collected from 685 UK farms over a two-year period (2022-2024), covering 238,000 hectares.
• The study found that while livestock is a notable source of methane emissions, but it can significantly enhance soil carbon storage.
• Average soil organic matter across surveyed farms: 5.74%
• Average SOC across surveyed farms: 3.34%
  • Arable-only farms (including potatoes): 2.54% SOC
  • Mixed farms with cows and sheep: 3.47% SOC
  • Farms with only cows and sheep: 4.92% SOC
• Additional Benefits of Mixed Enterprise Farms: Greater plant diversity and improved biodiversity were found on mixed farms compared to those solely for arable cropping.
• The Study assessed six key areas:
  • Soil health
  • Carbon storage
  • Biodiversity
  • Animal welfare
  • Water quality
  • Community and societal impact

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About Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)

• SOC is the measurable component of soil organic matter (SOM) and specifically refers to the carbon content within organic compounds in the soil.
• Organic matter generally constitutes 2-10% of a soil’s mass, crucially affecting the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological functions.

Difference Between SOC and SOM

• SOC is strictly the carbon fraction of SOM, making it easier to measure in laboratory settings.
• SOM includes carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and other elements (like nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur), and it exists in both “living” (roots, fauna, microbes) and “dead” forms (decayed organic material).
• SOM consists of:
• • Dissolved Organic Matter
  • Particulate Organic Matter
  • Humus
  • Resistant Organic Matter
• These fractions vary in size, stability, and how quickly they decompose, affecting their longevity and impact on soil health.

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Soil Organic Carbon and Carbon Sequestration

• SOC is viewed as a potential method for climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon and lowering atmospheric CO₂.
• For lasting impact, SOC must be stored in stable fractions of SOM

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