Soil is the largest carbon store after the Deep Oceans on earth. Total soil carbon is estimated at 1515 Gt C, almost double that, which is held in the atmosphere. Forest destruction and poor agricultural practices result in annual emissions of 0.94 Gt C. In fact Agricultural bi products and land use change constitute close to 22% of all global emissions. Increasing human populations will put pressure on existing agricultural lands and unless increases in productivity per unit area are achieved, this figure will rise.

Soil carbon is the single most important element in the world’s soil. Any imbalance in this vital constituent will result in a lowering of soil fertility, loss of soil fauna and a reduction in the soils ability to provide vital ecosystem services. Protection of existing stocks and replenishment of damaged stocks has the potential to rapidly improve agricultural productivity whilst subsequently assisting in the climate change mitigation.

Within soil, carbon is recognised as Soil Organic Carbon (SOC). SOC is generated from the breakdown of drying and dead vegetation and other natural waste, by soil fauna and bacteria. In lay mans terms SOC is known as “Humus”. SOC is converted to soil carbon by actions from micro bacteria and fungi.