Can Soil Testing Help Mitigate Climate Change?

As the world confronts the escalating challenges of climate change, soil testing¹ may not be the first solution that comes to mind. Yet, beneath our feet lies one of the most powerful and underutilized tools for carbon capture: the soil itself². By testing and understanding soil’s health and carbon storage potential, scientists, farmers, and policymakers can make informed decisions³ that reduce emissions, restore ecosystems, and support a more sustainable climate future.

Soil’s Role in Carbon Sequestration

Soils are the largest terrestrial carbon reservoir, holding more carbon than the atmosphere and all plant life combined. Through the process of carbon sequestration, soils can store atmospheric CO₂ in the form of organic matter—a critical buffer against climate change.

How It Works:

• Plants absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis.
• Roots transfer carbon into the soil through exudates.
• Microorganisms and organic residues help stabilize carbon in humus.
• Stable carbon can remain in soil for decades or even centuries.

Global Soil Carbon Storage Snapshot

Enhancing soil’s carbon-holding capacity represents a natural climate solution that complements emission reduction efforts.

Testing for Carbon Storage Potential

Soil testing is essential for quantifying carbon stocks and identifying where and how sequestration can be improved. Accurate measurement helps:

• Baseline carbon levels before land-use changes.
• Monitor progress from carbon farming or regenerative practices.
• Detect areas of depletion or degradation.
• Support carbon credit validation in carbon markets.

Key Soil Tests for Carbon Assessment:

• Total Organic Carbon (TOC): Measures the carbon bound in organic matter.
• Bulk Density Test: Used to convert TOC into carbon per hectare.
• Soil Respiration Tests: Indicate microbial activity and carbon flux.
• pH and Texture Analysis: Reveal conditions that affect carbon stability.

Example: Soil Carbon Measurement Summary

By linking soil test data with geospatial analysis, land managers can develop precision carbon strategies.

Impact of Agricultural Practices on Soil Carbon

Soil carbon levels are directly influenced by how we manage the land. Practices that disturb the soil or reduce plant cover can lead to carbon loss, while regenerative approaches help build it back.

Practices That Reduce Soil Carbon:

• Intensive tillage
• Overgrazing
• Monoculture cropping
• Excessive chemical inputs

Practices That Build Soil Carbon:

• No-till or reduced tillage
• Cover cropping and crop rotation
• Organic amendments like compost and biochar
• Agroforestry and perennial planting

Soil Carbon Change Example (Over 5 Years)

Soil testing enables ongoing monitoring, helping farmers and researchers adjust methods for maximum environmental impact.

Policy Implications for Climate Mitigation

Governments and international organizations are increasingly recognizing soil carbon⁴ as part of the climate solution. But meaningful action requires verifiable data⁵—and that’s where soil testing becomes a policy cornerstone⁶.

How Soil Testing Supports Policy:

• Establishes baselines for soil carbon incentives and subsidies.
• Verifies compliance with regenerative agriculture programs.
• Provides science-based evidence for carbon credit systems.
• Informs land use planning and climate resilience strategies.

Example: Policy-Driven Soil Carbon Programs

Soil testing not only supports individual farmers—it helps shape global strategies for reducing emissions and adapting to climate change.

Conclusion

Soil testing is more than a tool for agriculture—it’s a critical weapon in the fight against climate change⁷. By revealing the soil’s carbon storage capacity, guiding sustainable practices, and supporting science-based policies, it helps unlock the potential of the earth beneath us. In the quest for climate solutions, soil testing offers a practical, scalable, and nature-based path forward⁸.