A recent study indicates that enhancing plant diversity in farming can boost the ability of agricultural soils to capture carbon. As the agriculture industry seeks to minimize its carbon emissions, increasing biodiversity in farming methods may be essential for establishing more sustainable and environmentally friendly food production systems.
A recent study indicates that enhancing plant diversity in farming can boost the ability of agricultural soils to capture carbon. As the agriculture industry seeks to minimize its carbon emissions, increasing biodiversity in farming methods may be essential for establishing more sustainable and environmentally friendly food production systems.
With the ongoing expansion of farming and intensive cultivation methods damaging soils and releasing carbon into the air, it’s vital to find strategies to enhance soil carbon storage. Since more than 40% of the Earth’s land is dedicated to agriculture, agroecosystems must significantly contribute to strategies aimed at climate change mitigation.
Despite this need, the limited knowledge regarding plant-microbe relationships has thus far obstructed efforts to optimize soil carbon storage. A research team led by Luiz Domeignoz-Horta from the University of Zurich has made new discoveries regarding how an increase in plant diversity can dramatically aid in retaining soil carbon.
Barley cultivated with up to eight additional plant species
The researchers carried out their investigation using the TwinWin experiment in Finland, which examines the impact of varying degrees of plant diversity, alongside barley, on soil microbial processes. Barley was cultivated either by itself or interplanted with up to eight different species, including those that fix nitrogen and have deep root systems, chosen for their ability to enhance soil health.
To assess how well microbes convert carbon inputs into new biomass (as opposed to emitting it as CO₂), the researchers evaluated microbial carbon use efficiency. They analyzed microbial growth, soil respiration, and community dynamics via molecular sequencing and stable isotope tracking to follow the carbon movement within the soil microbial groups. “Our findings show that greater plant diversity promoted stronger positive interactions among microbes in the rhizosphere—the area surrounding plant roots—which ultimately enhanced the carbon use efficiency of the community,” explains first author Luiz Domeignoz-Horta.
Biodiversity boosts plant biomass
Interestingly, higher plant diversity also led to increased overall plant biomass production without compromising barley yields. This means that such practices can maintain crop productivity while simultaneously enhancing soil carbon retention. The results underscore the crucial impact that plant diversity has on microbial activity within the soil. Elevating this diversity not only supports healthier, more resilient ecosystems but also provides a viable approach to agricultural carbon sequestration.
“Implementing plant diversity in farming practices can be labor-intensive, especially for small-scale farmers who are vital for long-term sustainability,” acknowledges Domeignoz-Horta. “However, our findings imply that with appropriate policy backing, promoting diverse crop combinations could emerge as a fundamental aspect of ‘carbon farming,’ aiding in increased carbon retention in soils while sustaining agricultural productivity. This could lead to innovative farming methods resilient to climate change, benefiting both the environment and the agricultural community.”
