04 January 2024

On the road to Carbon estimates: the Signpost Deep Soil Sampling Campaign

Embarking on a four-month journey, spanning 12 counties in Ireland, our Signpost team covered 148 soil profiles, collecting 2,919 soil and bulk density samples up to 60cm depth. Our goal: build the baseline of our soil carbon observatory and investigate carbon sequestration potential in Ireland.

Giulia Bondi, Kate Devereux, Gabriela Cardenaz, Daniel Miranda, Alex Meyrat, Carl Michel, Alessandro Righetti and Karen Daly tell us more.

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Under the Signpost Programme, over 100 farms are selected for deep soil sampling and soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration measurements. Our research aims to unveil the composition and stability of SOC in deep soil layers, providing precise quantification baselines. Signpost strategically selects locations across different soil types, land use, and management scenario to measure SOC stocks, examine distribution patterns, and identify factors influencing SOC stability. This precision is crucial for advancing Irish soil carbon estimates from Tier 1 to Tier 2, establishing Irish-specific SOC sequestration rates, and integrating agricultural soils into carbon trading schemes and life-cycle assessments.

At the core of the Signpost Programme is Teagasc’s commitment to enhancing SOC practices across Ireland. The Signpost initiative extends beyond data collection, fostering the development of tailored management practices to boost SOC stocks and establish robust carbon accounting frameworks for sustainable agricultural systems. This effort holds promise for farmers, land managers, and society at large.

Increasing SOC is a gradual process, this initiative emphasizes sustainable soil management practices with long-term benefits for both agriculture and the environment. Balancing nutrient management, implementing cover cropping, practicing crop rotation, minimizing traffic-related soil disturbance, incorporating organic materials, and avoiding soil compaction are outlined as key strategies. These practices collectively contribute to sequestering carbon, improving overall soil health, and supporting sustainable agricultural systems.

This video compilation offers a glimpse into the extensive national soil sampling campaign, showcasing the commitment and collaborative efforts of the Signpost team in their mission to advance soil science and contribute to a more sustainable future.