SOCORT – Kohlenstoffsequestrierung durch reduzierte Bodenbearbeitung im Biolandbau

The aim of the study is to analyse the effects of organic reduced tillage on the stock of organic carbon in soil profiles of long-term trials, and to statistically verify claims of its potential for CO2 sequestration. In order to achieve this, nine organically farmed long-term trials are sampled according to a standardised sampling protocol and analysed centrally.

The hypotheses are:

1. Carbon stocks are enriched through reduced tillage in relation to the ploughing method in the topsoil.
2. Carbon stocks are enriched through reduced tillage in relation to the ploughing method in the entire soil profile.
3. The increase of carbon stocks depends on the texture, and it rises with increasing clay content.

• Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), Climate Division

• Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) - Research and consultation

• Dr Axel Don
• Dr Martin Wiesmeier

• Steffens Markus (Department of Soil Sciences)

• Krauss Maike (Department of Soil Sciences)

Project coordination and leader

• Soil fertility & Climate (Department of Soil Sciences, FiBL Switzerland)