Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
2/3/04
Contacts:
Mahdi Al-Kaisi, Agronomy, (515) 294-1923, malkaisi@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Carbon Credits and Conservation Practices Could Pay for Iowa Farmers
AMES, Iowa -- There is considerable debate over specific reasons for the increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere since the beginning of the industrial era, but there is a general agreement that human activity accounts for some increase.
"The good news for Iowa farmers is that they can help play a role in reducing CO2 levels by adopting conservation practices that capture and store CO2 in vegetation and the soil through carbon sequestration," said Mahdi Al-Kaisi, Iowa State University Extension soil specialist.
Currently, organizations that use fossil fuels are obligated to address CO2 emissions. One mechanism, by which some entities can meet the required limits of CO2 emissions, is to buy carbon credits to meet their CO2 emission limits. By purchasing carbon credits for the storage of CO2 in soil and plants, they can balance their emissions that are in excess of limits.
Farmers who practice conservation practices may be able to benefit from this practice. Carbon can be stored effectively in Iowa farmland. If they choose to participate, farmers can sell carbon credits (the medium of exchange in the carbon sequestration market). It's another way farmers could profit simply by using conservation practices that promote carbon sequestration.
Al-Kaisi says that there are several ways it could work on Iowa farms. "First, CO2 can be diverted or stored in plant materials. Cover crops are a good example. A second option is to decrease organic carbon mineralization by restricting the use of conventional tillage practices. Third, since eroded soil is exposed soil - and exposed carbon - any reduction in soil erosion traps more carbon in the soil."
Al-Kaisi says that farmers who enhance carbon sequestration could help to improve the soil quality, soil productivity and water quality of Iowa. "These added benefits will definitely improve crop production during drought periods because of improved soil physical, biological and chemical properties and consequently its nutrient and water-holding capacity."
"Organic matter may have additional benefits. For example, it may increase the effectiveness of chemicals, such as pesticides, suppress of disease organisms, and improve crop health and vigor as soil biological activity and diversity increase," Al Kaisi said.
Carbon sequestration provides Iowa farmers with an opportunity to not only improve their bottom line, but also to improve environmental quality and long-term sustainability.
Al-Kaisi recommends that those interested learn more about the issue before entering into any agreement. For more detailed information about carbon sequestration, visit the ISU Agronomy Extension Web site at http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/ and check the 'soil management' page. In addition, the ISU Extension publication "Impact of Tillage and Crop Rotation Systems on Soil Carbon Sequestration" (PM 1871) is available at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/pubs/so.htm.
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Funding support provided by USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service through Cooperative Agreement No. 74-6114-10-03.
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