SOIL CARBON

This mountain of poultry manure will be gradually applied to the planting site

Close up of fresh poultry manure showing feathers, decomposing wood shavings and chicken waste

Young pine seedlings being planted on site

Soils producing large lumps when cultivated indicate a lack of organic matter. These soils will greatly improve after a lot of organic matter is added

This pine seedling has been watered and some of the decomposing organic matter added will supply nutrients to soil microbes as well as the young seedling

This old pine was uprooted in strong winds. The extensive root system is visible

These mature pines on the neighbouring farm have much carbon in store. They will also supply a windbreak for my young plantings

So much talk and media exposure concerning the rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has ensured most people are now aware that there is potentially a serious environmental problem to be addressed in the near future.

Carbon In The Soil

I hope to do a little towards a solution to this problem by storing carbon in the form of organic compounds in the soil on the farm. Most carbon compounds tied up in dead plant material such as mulch, leaves, bark and compost will degrade releasing carbon dioxide to the atmosphere in within a few years, but the trunks, stems and roots of living trees are able to store carbon for much longer periods. Should my tree seedlings recently planted live from 20 to 100 years, there is a positive benefit in the medium term.

Humus - Carbon Originating from Plant Material

However, one form of carbon originating from dead plant materials known as humus, is able to survive for hundreds of years without breaking down to release greenhouse gases. Humus is produced as a residue after most dead plant matter has been decomposed by microbes. Humus is also more resistant to further decomposition in heavier soils such as clays and loams compared to sandy soils as the smaller soil particles in heavy soils help to physically shield humus from microbes.

Soil Carbon In My Hobby Farm

My soils are desperately in need of organic matter and there is the potential to increase the level of carbon compounds several times over within the space of a few years. The level of success will depend on environmental conditions, especially the amount of rain received, but there will certainly be an increase in the level of stored carbon in the soil compared to current levels.

Adding Poultry Manure To Ploughed Soil

My first task is to add large quantities of organic matter in the form of poultry manure to the ploughed soil. Fresh poultry manure contains a broad range of nutrients as well as decomposing wood shavings. These must be used carefully if applied close to young and tender plantings as they can "burn" plant roots due to high chemical levels, but fresh poultry manure is a very good way to improve soil structure if applied a few months before planting.

Growing Pine Seedlings

The second task is to grow pine seedlings in the prepared area. Pinus radiata seedlings are quite tough once established and mature trees have an extensive root system. These pines develop into large trees should their growing conditions be ideal, but I plan to harvest young trees for sale as Christmas trees after about 5 years. Should there be sufficient rainfall to get these seedlings established I will then have a small source of income in the form of Christmas trees for sale.

After the saplings have been cut at their base and harvested, new shoots will grow forming a new tree and also the underground root system will not die. As a result I can grow a crop for sale and allow the root systems of the pines to continue to develop, thus storing more carbon under the soil.

Deeper Penetration Of Soil Organic Matter

The third task, once the pine plantation is established, is to avoid cultivating the soil in this area. This will allow a layer of mulch to develop and also as a result, the soil structure will improve allowing the deeper penetration of soil organic matter. This should then increase the thickness of the layer containing carbon compounds and also their end product soil humus.

All of these actions will improve the soil carbon content to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the weather and future climatic conditions.

It would be a shame not to make some personal attempt towards helping out the environment.