The use of soil to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere

Rattan Lal:

·         Claims that 13% of CO2 in the atmosphere could be absorbed by agricultural soils

·         Erosion is more likely in soil that is 31 …………………………

·         Lal found soil in Africa that was very 32 …………………………

·         It was suggested that carbon from soil was entering the atmosphere

Soil and carbon:

·         plants turn CO2 from the air into carbon-based substances such as 33 ……………………..

·         some CO2 moves from the 34 ………………………… of plants to microbes in the soil

·         carbon was lost from the soil when agriculture was invented

Regenerative agriculture:

·         uses established practices to make sure soil remains fertile and 35 …………………………

·         e.g. through year-round planting and increasing the 36 ............................... of plants that are grown

California study:

·         taking place on a big 37 ............................... farm

·         uses compost made from waste from agriculture and 38 ..............................

Australia study:

·         aims to increase soil carbon by using 39 .............................. that are always green

Future developments may include:

·         reducing the amount of fertilizer used in farming

·         giving farmers 40 ............................... for carbon storage, as well as their produce