Soil management strategies are increasingly recognized as an important part of the solution to climate change and California’s severe drought conditions. Improving soil health by increasing soil organic matter boosts the soil’s ability to sequester atmospheric carbon while significantly improving its water holding capacity, increasing percolation, reducing erosion and contributing to increased biomass or forage production.

While many common agricultural practices degrade soil quality, other practices such as no-till farming, planting hedgerows, and applying compost can improve it. This presents an opportunity for the agricultural sector to farm carbon in addition to food and fiber – becoming an important part of the response to the tandem global challenges of climate change and severe drought.

CRCD has been working with farmers and ranchers in Santa Barbara County to develop Carbon Farm Plans and assisting with implementaion of practices that increase carbon sequestration, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and many other co-benefits.

Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about Carbon Farming planning and implementation.

 Below is a our Gaviota District Carbon Management Plan developed with funding from the Gaviota Coast Conservancy.