Problem statement

Capturing CO2 from atmosphere and locking it in soil, grasslands for meeting emission reduction targets, reduce carbon footprint

Executive summary

Grassland management practice increases livestock forage, improving soil organic carbon, soil water retention capacity & soil nutrient retention. The SOC ensures carbon is captured from the atmosphere and reduces carbon dioxide emissions.

Value chain description

Farm Zero C, a joint project of AIB partnering with Carbery in collaboration with the BiOrbic, SFI, MTU, UCD, TCD, Teagasc claims to create an economically viable, climate neutral model for Irish dairy farming by improving soil organic matter in the following ways

• Improve soil fertility levels.
• Sow favourable forage grasses and legumes.
• Reduce the frequency of use of heavy machinery in order to avoid soil compaction.
• Optimise grazing management.
• Establish a soil monitoring programme.
• Optimise slurry and manure application.
• Minimise soil disturbance during re-seedinG

Market deployment considerations

Depend upon soil sequestration potential for carbon dioxide. This can also be integrated with carbon trading framework where farmer can earn revenue with carbon capture. Reduced fertilizer use builds healthier soils which require less fertilizer, saving farmers money and reducing environmental impacts

Environmental considerations

soil carbon sequestration helps restore degraded soils, which can improve agricultural productivity.

Social Considerations

Soil carbon sequestration is important to meet the European green deal regulation, climate action regulation and water quality.

Stakeholders Involved

Farmers, Soil regulatory officials establishing soil monitoring program