Carbon Sequestration

Executive Summary

Several global initiatives indicate that carbon sequestration (C) in soil organic matter dedicated to agriculture is a viable option to mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) and to increase the resilience of these systems to climate change. In particular, the '4 per mille Soils for Food Security and Climate' initiative launched at COP21 is aimed at increasing the global stock of C in the horizon from 0-40 cm at a rate of 4 per 1000 per year. The potential for C sequestration in agro-ecosystems of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) could represent an enormous contribution to this global effort. However, such potential and the real possibilities of realizing it have not been quantified.

The objective of this seed fund was to create a platform for the intensification of agricultural production systems based on innovative carbon sequestration strategies. Several global initiatives indicate carbon sequestration (C) in soil organic matter dedicated to agriculture as a viable option to mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) and to increase the resilience of these systems to climate change.

The technological solution

Determine (a) the potential level of organic C achievable by the different soils and climates of the region, (b) estimate how far from that potential the current production systems are located, (c) establish management options and land use that allow us to approach potential levels at rates compatible with the '4 per mile' objective, and (d) corroborate that such options imply greater economic benefits in the short and medium term for producers.

Results

Beneficiaries

Scientists of the participating countries

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors