Issue Brief
Soil Health Issue Brief
July 28, 2021
Fact Sheet
Nature-Based Climate Solutions: Soil
Overview
Agriculture has the potential to both mitigate and contribute to climate change. Agriculture contributes 10% of U.S. emissions, particularly from nitrous oxide. At the same time, good land use practices currently absorb 12% of our emissions. By improving agricultural practices, we can reduce existing emissions and enhance our soil’s ability to sequester carbon. Healthy soils practices can reduce emissions from poor soil management. States are increasingly finding ways to support farmers as they improve soil health.
Key Points
Key Point 1
Tilling and soil disruption emits greenhouse gases, as does overuse of fertilizers. Healthy soils have naturally diverse microbiomes, which act as carbon fixers. Soil management can thus increase or decrease emissions. (Project Drawdown)
Key Point 2
The same agricultural practices which promote healthy soils have the potential to sequester carbon. These include perennial cropping, no-till farming, cover cropping, silvopasture, managed grazing, and compost usage. (American University)
Key Point 3
It is difficult to quantify how much carbon is sequestered in soil. Scientists differ on the potential of soil carbon sequestration to limit climate change. Legislators can address this issue by requiring a baseline assessment of soil carbon concentrations, including a clear accounting standard, and providing technical support to farmers. (World Resources Institute)
Legislation
- Massachusetts’ H5250 (sections 4-8, 13, 73) directs a state-wide accounting of carbon in natural and working lands. It also sets goals for land-use carbon sequestration and the development of accompanying policies. It establishes a fee on land conversions that increase emissions.
- Minnesota’s HF701 would provide direct payments to farmers who implement soil-healthy practices, prioritizing awards based on scientific understanding of carbon sequestration potential. The bill includes equity provisions to prioritize socially disadvantaged, small-, and mid-sized farmers.
- New York’s A2042/S4707 follows up on a pilot program. The legislation would establish a tax credit for farmers who maximize carbon sequestration potential through a carbon farming land management strategy.
- Washington’s SB5947 created a grant program for farmers who engage in healthy soil practices, including carbon sequestration. The law directs the development of a carbon equivalency metric through partnership with state public universities.
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