The Evaluation of Carbon Farming Strategies in Organic Vegetable Cultivation

• Published in: Agronomy (Basel) Vol. 13; no. 9; p. 2406
• Main Authors: Avasiloaiei, Dan Ioan, Calara, Mariana, Brezeanu, Petre Marian, Gruda, Nazim S., Brezeanu, Creola
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-09-2023
• Subjects: Agricultural industry; Agricultural practices; Agriculture; Agroforestry; Air pollution; Analysis; Biodiversity; Biological diversity conservation; Carbon; Carbon content; Carbon dioxide; Carbon farming; Carbon sequestration; Climate change; Cover crops; Crop production; Ecological footprint; ecological vegetable system; Ecosystem services; Ecosystems; Emissions; Evaluation; Farm buildings; Farmers; Farming; Farming systems; Fertility; GHG mitigation; Greenhouse gases; Optimization; Organic farming; regenerative practices; soil carbon storage; Soil fertility; Soil improvement; Soils; Sustainability; Sustainable agriculture; Sustainable development; System effectiveness; Threat evaluation; Tillage; Uncertainty analysis; Vegetable industry; Vegetables; Wildlife conservation; Australia; United Kingdom; Europe
• ISSN: 2073-4395; 2073-4395
• DOI: 10.3390/agronomy13092406

The urgent need to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has prompted the exploration of various strategies, including the adaptation of carbon farming practices, to achieve sustainability in agricultural systems. In this research, we assess the viability of carbon farming practices for organic vegetable growing in Europe. The study explores the potential benefits of these practices, including GHG emissions’ mitigation and improved soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, while also acknowledging the need for further research to optimize implementation strategies and foster widespread adoption. However, the suitability and effectiveness of carbon farming practices in organic vegetable production systems remain uncertain. The analysis considers the measurement and estimation methods employed to assess changes in soil carbon stocks and the potential environmental and economic implications for farmers. Despite a substantial body of data demonstrating the sustainable attributes of carbon farming and its multifaceted advantages, a degree of hesitancy persists. Considering this, we propose undertaking a concise strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis to evaluate multiple aspects of carbon farming. The findings reveal that carbon farming practices can be viable and advantageous in organic vegetable production. Carbon farming practices, such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, compost application, and agroforestry, can significantly enhance the sustainability of organic farming systems. Implementing these practices can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil health and fertility, and promote biodiversity conservation. Farmer education and support, policy measures, and continued research are crucial for maximizing the potential of these practices for a sustainable future. These practices also contribute to developing climate-friendly agricultural systems, promoting environmental resilience, and reducing the ecological footprint of organic vegetable production. However, further research is needed to optimize implementation strategies, address site-specific challenges, and foster widespread adoption of carbon farming practices in organic vegetable production.