Measuring Carbon Sequestration on the Farm

Although there are models for measuring carbon sequestration in farming soils, a cheaper and more accurate way to evaluate the carbon in the soils is to do direct measurements of the organic content of the soils, and compare year-to-year concentrations.

At the same time every year, typically after the growing season, each field is sampled for organic matter. To sample the field, you should make a composite sample of 5 to 10 samples of soil (in the top 6 inches) spaced more-or-less evenly around the field.

The carbon sequestration is calculated as the difference in organic carbon from year to year.

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