Soil & Climate change mitigation and adaptation

In Germany, agriculture contributes around 12% to total greenhouse gas emissions. These come predominantly from animal husbandry and the soil. Neither with current technology nor with the technology under development will it be possible to reduce these emissions to zero. For Germany to become climate neutral, we must actively remove carbon from the atmosphere. Plants can do this by taking CO2 from the air and splitting it into oxygen and carbon. If the carbon is stored long-term in the soil (humus), this counteracts climate warming. Soil organic carbon also improves soil health and helps to reduce the negative effects of climate change on agriculture. Soil organic carbon build-up is thus a measure for climate change mitigation and adaptation.