Nature holds its own balance within its immensity. To combat climate change, there are circular elements that generate this balance. Current carbon footprints are calculated by multiplying the resources consumed, but a fundamental element that subtracts from the final result is not being considered: carbon absorption.
TABLE OF CONTENTS |
Natural Tools for Carbon Absorption
Oceans and Earth
Nature has two major tools for absorbing carbon: the oceans and the land. Carbon absorption in the soil is an essential element in the fight against climate change, not only because of its ability to retain carbon and put it to valuable use, but also because of its ability to restructure soils, preventing desertification.
Carbon Absorption in Agricultural Soils
Agricultural soils absorb carbon both through specific agricultural practices (such as regenerative agriculture) and through the activation of their own life that resides in the deepest microbiome. This microbiome does not work with organic matter (which it mineralises and converts into carbon), but with carbon as the basis of this microbiome's food source.
The Role of the Microbiome in Soil Restructuring
The development of this native population generates a greater need to obtain carbon to feed this larger and more active population, which supports the soil. This is one of the major elements in the microbiological restructuring of soils and, consequently, one of the central elements in the fight against climate change, combating desertification and soil erosion.
Carbon Regulation and Market
Community legislation
EU legislation is close to issuing regulations governing accepted systems for measuring actual carbon sequestration, its auditing system and, with this, entering the regulated carbon market. We are currently working along these lines so that, once the absorption window is open, it becomes a possibility for a financial asset based on actual rather than theoretical absorption.
Practice-Based Agriculture vs. Microbiome Activation
Regenerative Agriculture
Practice-based agriculture is a wonderful thing, but we continue to operate within a system that may not be as sustainable as current lifestyles, global population, and the economy that supports it require. Instead, activating the somewhat unknown microbiome is key to having natural allies that support fertile soils, with less need for added nutrients, healthier soils, and soils that require less water to generate life.
Cost-effective decarbonisation
Using Carbon to Create Life
Activating the native microbiome is not only a cost-effective means of decarbonisation, but also uses carbon to create more and better life. As we can see in the graph from EOS Data Analytics, the greatest value in terms of carbon absorption capacity (and its use) is found in the soil, specifically in the deeper layers where the microbiome lives, using carbon for its development and supporting the soil surface.
Conclusion
Activating the native microbiome is an essential tool for decarbonisation and life generation. Not only does it restructure agricultural soils, but it also combats desertification and soil erosion, creating a more sustainable and healthy system for the future.