Soil Organic Carbon
Soil Organic Carbon and Soil Health
Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), or the organic carbon present in the soil, is a fundamental parameter for evaluating the health of the soil and its ability to support plant life and, consequently, agricultural productivity.
- Increased fertility: SOC is the basis of the soil's organic matter, which provides essential nutrients for plants, improving their growth and resistance to disease.
- Improved soil structure: A soil rich in SOC has a more stable and porous structure, which favors air circulation, water infiltration and root development.
- Increased water retention: SOC acts like a sponge, retaining water in the soil and making it available to plants, thus reducing irrigation needs and mitigating the effects of drought.
- Mitigation of climate change: Soils are an important carbon reservoir. Increasing SOC means removing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil, helping to fight climate change.
Traditional agricultural practices, such as deep plowing, tend to deplete soil of SOC, making it more vulnerable to erosion, compaction and loss of fertility.
In contrast, regenerative agriculture promotes practices that increase SOC, such as planting cover crops and using organic amendments.
In short, improving SOC is essential to preserve soil health, guarantee
