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As our agriculture industry strives to build more responsible, resilient farm ecosystems, soil is emerging as one of the most valuable - and sometimes overlooked - allies. Helen Dent, Sustainability Lead at Kite Consulting, sat down with us to unpack the importance of soil carbon, what it means for farming, and how it can help reduce our carbon footprint.
Can you start by telling us about your role at Kite Consulting?
Helen Dent: I’m the Sustainability Lead at Kite Consulting. I work across the supply chain from farmers through to processors to improve the sustainability of our dairy sector. Sustainability today is largely tied to carbon footprint and greenhouse gases, but I also focus on biodiversity, soil health, air, water, and how we adapt to climate change.
You’ve recently released a report about soil carbon. What exactly is soil carbon?
That’s a great question. Soil carbon is a component of soil organic matter, in fact, about 58% of soil organic matter is pure carbon, although that varies by soil type. Soil organic matter is essentially the life of the soil. It includes things like dead plant roots, bugs, worms, anything that once lived. This organic matter helps release nutrients and keep soils functioning.
And beyond soil health, why does soil carbon matter for the climate?
Carbon is a key greenhouse gas, so the more carbon we can store in our soils, the less remains in the atmosphere. It’s a double win: improving farming systems while also reducing carbon emissions.
What practical benefits does soil organic matter offer to farmers?
A lot! Higher organic matter improves a soil’s ability to store water, which is critical during dry spells like the ones we’re seeing now. It also helps during wet periods by improving drainage and resistance to compaction. Healthier soils grow better crops, release more nutrients, and support higher yields. I like to think of it as a natural cycle, soil organic matter stores and releases nutrients, making soils more workable and farms more profitable.
How can soil carbon levels be improved?
By changing how we manage soils. That includes reducing tillage, applying more organic materials like manures, and improving crop productivity particularly by encouraging deeper root systems. These practices help build up the carbon content in soils over time.
What should farmers be doing today to support this?
Farmers can start by testing their soil to understand its organic matter levels. It gives a clear baseline and helps identify any physical, chemical, or biological limitations in their soils. Healthy soils are a foundation for everything, yield, resilience and profitability.
Can soil carbon be used to offset carbon emissions?
Yes, but it has to be done properly. We need to prove carbon sequestration, which starts with a baseline and ongoing tracking to demonstrate increases over time. The good news is that technology is making this easier, with innovations like soil scanning and satellite data.
Is permanence an issue?
Absolutely. We also have to prove that the carbon stored in soil will stay there, that we’re not going to re-release it through poor management or disruption. Long-term retention is key.
Key Takeaway:
“Soil organic matter,” Helen Dent says, “really is what keeps the soil resilient.” As both a climate solution and a cornerstone of healthy, productive farmland, soil carbon is rapidly gaining attention and with good reason.