Ameliorating the Effects of Climate Change with Soil Carbon

This paper explains how atmospheric carbon is introduced into the soil and how it stored in stable
forms. It identifies the farming techniques that are responsible for the decline in soil carbon and
gives alternative practices that do not damage carbon. Increasing soil carbon can reduce the 25%
of Australia's greenhouse gases created by agriculture and assist in ameliorating the effects of
climate change. Increasing soil carbon will ensure good production outcomes and farm
profitability. Soil carbon, particularly the stable forms such as humus and glomalin increase farm
profitability by increasing yields, soil fertility, soil moisture retention, aeration, nitrogen fixation,
mineral availability, disease suppression, soil tilth and general structure. They build soil structures
that are highly resistant to erosion and have minimal loss of water-soluble nutrients.