A recent study by the Soil Association Exchange reveals that farms integrating livestock with arable crops store approximately one-third more carbon in their soil compared to farms solely growing crops.
The research highlights the role of cow manure as a natural fertilizer, which boosts plant growth and enhances carbon sequestration in the soil. This process not only improves soil health but also supports greater biodiversity, with mixed farms hosting an average of 28 grassland plant species per field, compared to 25 for arable-only farms and 22 for dairy-only farms.
However, the study acknowledges a significant drawback: livestock, particularly cattle, contribute to methane emissions, which account for about 14% of human-induced climate emissions globally. Joseph Gridley, chief executive of the Soil Association Exchange, noted that while livestock integration improves soil health and biodiversity, the carbon stored in soil is unlikely to fully offset the methane produced by cattle. “The data is clear—farms with livestock have five to six times more emissions,” Gridley said. “Yet, integrating livestock enhances soil health and biodiversity metrics significantly.”
Efforts to mitigate methane emissions include exploring methane blockers, such as essential oils, probiotics, and seaweed, added to cattle feed. The Green Alliance charity suggests that feeding a methane blocker like Bovaer to a third of the UK’s dairy cows could reduce national emissions by about 1%, though adoption is hindered by costs. The Soil Association Exchange, established in 2021 to promote sustainable farming, emphasizes the need for balanced approaches to leverage livestock’s benefits while addressing their environmental impact.
To access the study, you may need to contact the Soil Association Exchange directly through their website or check for updates on their publications. https://www.soilassociationexchange.com/