Agriculture Plant diversity strengthens carbon sequestration in soils

Greater plant diversity in agriculture significantly improves carbon storage in the soil. This was discovered by a research team from the University of Zurich (UZH) during experiments in Finland.

Plant diversity also increases the total production of plant biomass without reducing barley yields. In practice, it is therefore possible to maintain yields and improve carbon storage in the soil at the same time, the UZH announced on Thursday.

Greater diversity not only promotes healthier and more resilient ecosystems, but also offers a sustainable approach to carbon sequestration in agriculture. According to the researchers, this can pave the way for new climate-resilient agricultural practices that benefit both the environment and farmers.

The research team investigated different levels of plant diversity in combination with barley and their effect on microbial processes in the soil. The barley was either grown alone or with up to eight other plant species as undersown crops, including nitrogen-fixing and deep-rooting varieties that have the potential to improve soil health.

More than 40 percent of the world's land area is used for agriculture, the report continued. The expansion and intensification of agriculture leads to soil degradation and the release of carbon into the atmosphere. Agroecosystems play a central role in mitigating climate change.

SDA