Carbon Sequestration

Plants remove CO2 from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. The plants convert the carbon (C) into stems, stalks, leaves, and roots while the oxygen (O2) is released back to the atmosphere. Over time, some of the soluble carbon moves from the roots into the soil where it provides vital nutrients to the growing plant. Because plants are carbon, decaying plants add carbon to the soil. Even though decaying organic matter releases CO2 to the atmosphere, it does so much more slowly when left undisturbed on or under the surface of the soil. When soil is disturbed, carbon is quickly released back into the atmosphere. According to researchers, carbon can remain stored in undisturbed soils for thousands of years. 

Scientists estimate that up to 60% of the carbon has been lost from soils since the agricultural expansion of the 1800s. This loss is mostly a result of traditional tillage practices that turn the soil over and expose it to air.

Changes in farming practices such as conservation tillage, rotational or seasonal grazing of livestock, and managed grasslands, optimize root growth and minimize soil disturbance. These same conservation practices also protect water and air quality because when the soil is held in place by plants it is not eroding into waterways or blowing in the wind.

Learn about the Oklahoma Carbon Sequestration Certification Program.