Agronomic drivers and constraints for soil carbon sequestration in Europe

Recent research has highlighted the uncertainties surrounding the mitigation potentials of agricultural soil carbon sequestration and the need for context-specific assessments on carbon sequestering management practices. Many biophysical estimates overlook agronomic and socioeconomic drivers and barriers, which are critical factors for the widespread adoption of these practices. This study aims to bridge this gap and assess the feasibility of adopting specific management practices in arable agriculture in Europe while considering land use, agronomic, and socioeconomic drivers and constraints. Management practices include cover cropping, enhanced rotations, agroforestry, nitrogen input optimisation, erosion control measures, and reduced tillage. The analysis aims to identify under which circumstances win-win situations exist, where adopting such practices may lead to carbon sequestration and enhanced soil functions. To do so, the study will integrate a spatial analysis of European land use cover datasets with empirical data from a survey and semi-structured qualitative interviews with extensionists and farmers gathered in three different case studies (Spain, the Netherlands and Austria). Each management practice will be evaluated for land area requirements and compatibility with other land use demands. At the case study site, management practices will be cross-examined through the lenses of the local producers, experts and extensionists to elucidate context-specific synergies and trade-offs of adoption. In this poster, we will share the proposed research methods of this new study and preliminary findings.