The burning of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal, and gas, the use of internal combustion engines, and inefficient agricultural practices contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, which intensify the "greenhouse effect." This leads to climate changes due to global warming, causing a chain reaction of alterations to ecosystems and the biosphere as a whole.

 

In contrast to traditional agriculture, which often relies on heavy machinery, agricultural implements, and mineral chemicals that contribute to CO2 emissions, carbon farming employs strategies like crop rotation, cover crops, reduced tillage, and machinery pass management to increase soil carbon content and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This approach not only improves soil health and agricultural productivity but also provides an opportunity for farms to earn carbon credits by selling accumulated carbon to offset emissions.

 

While traditional agriculture has significantly contributed to global emissions, carbon farming offers a sustainable alternative by enhancing the soil's natural ability to capture and store carbon.

 

All regional divisions of the holding are involved in the carbon program, covering more than 180,000 hectares of arable land in the 2024 project. Notably, 41,000 hectares of arable land have already seen a reduction in tillage methods from traditional plowing to surface tillage for various crops.

 

A company adopting carbon farming methods increases soil organic carbon and reduces CO2 emissions, potentially earning carbon credits through the carbon program. Verified carbon credits can then be sold to organizations or individuals seeking to further reduce their emissions through carbon offsets. Participation in the carbon credit program expands the potential profitability of farming through carbon farming. The value of carbon credits depends on the evolution of the voluntary carbon market, where demand for high-quality credits is high and the supply of European natural credits is limited.

 

**Key Benefits:**

- **Soil Moisture Retention**: By avoiding soil disruption, no-till farming helps maintain higher soil moisture levels, which is critical for crop growth.

- **Reduction of Soil Erosion**: An intact soil structure and presence of plant residues on the surface act as a barrier against water and wind erosion.

- **Soil Structure and Biodiversity Preservation**: Untouched soil supports the growth of microorganisms and earthworms, essential for nutrient cycling and soil health.

- **Carbon Sequestration**: Soil acts as a carbon sink, capturing CO2 from the atmosphere and mitigating climate change.

 

**Benefits of Healthy Soils:**

- Higher organic matter levels in the soil.

- Better carbon capture and storage capacity (improved carbon sequestration).

- Enhanced soil structure that improves resilience to weather variability.

- Increased drought and flood resistance as healthy soils better absorb and retain water.

- Improved nutrient retention, reducing nutrient runoff into water sources.

 

**Benefits for the Farm:**

- Reduced use of plant protection products and fertilizers.

- Increased resource efficiency, potentially lowering costs and labor.

- Nutrient-rich soils can boost productivity for each field.

- Enhances resilience to climate change and long-term sustainability.

- Opportunity to diversify income streams through carbon credits.

 

**Additional Factors that Can Enhance Carbon Sequestration and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions:**

- Reducing mineral nitrogen application.

- Increasing organic fertilizer use on farms with livestock to boost soil carbon and organic matter.

- Increasing field residues to enhance carbon input into the soil and create a uniform mulch layer that regulates the hydrological and thermal regime in the plowed layer.

 

**Key Advantages:**

- **Carbon Sequestration**: Plant residues accumulate CO2, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and aiding climate change mitigation.

- **Soil Health**: Increased organic matter from decomposing residues improves fertility and water-holding capacity.

- **Erosion Prevention**: Residues protect the soil surface, reducing wind and water erosion.

- **Biodiversity**: Residues provide habitat for beneficial organisms, supporting ecosystem balance.

- **Water Resource Management**: Improved soil structure enhances infiltration and water retention, reducing irrigation needs and increasing drought resilience.