What is Regenerative Agriculture?
The regenerative agriculture It focuses on improving soil health and biodiversity through practices such as minimum tillage, the use of cover crops, and the integration of animals for grazing. A key alliance for the sustainability of production systems. This proposal is based on a harmonization between agricultural production and the dynamics of nature; and thus it is possible to produce, while promoting biodiversity and natural processes.
To understand regenerative technology, it is key to understand the need to create a balance between consumption and decomposition processes and construction or production processes. Otherwise, systems degrade. For a more scientific approach to the relationship between carbon offsets and regenerative agriculture, it is important to address the biogeochemical mechanisms involved in carbon capture in agricultural soils, as well as the methodologies to quantify and certify these captures.
Carbon Capture Mechanisms in Soils
Regenerative agriculture promotes carbon sequestration in the soil primarily through practices such as cover crop management, crop rotation, and minimum tillage. These practices encourage the accumulation of organic matter in the soil, which acts as a carbon sink. Soil microorganisms, together with plant roots, facilitate the stabilization of this carbon in the form of organic compounds that can remain in the soil for decades or even centuries.
Carbon sequestration in agricultural soils relies on biogeochemical processes involving the capture of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) through plant photosynthesis and its subsequent storage in the soil in the form of organic matter. Plant roots, in particular, play a crucial role in this process by depositing plant exudates and remains in the soil, where they decompose into stable organic compounds. This carbon can be sequestered in the soil over the long term through two main pathways:
- Formation of Stable organic matter : Soil organic matter is formed from plant and animal residues, and its stabilization depends on several factors, including microbial activity, soil pH, and agricultural management practices. Regenerative practices, such as no-till and the use of cover crops, improve soil structure and increase its capacity to store carbon.
- Mineralization and sequestration : Some of the carbon stored in soil organic matter is mineralized, releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere. However, under regenerative management practices, the rate of mineralization can be reduced, increasing the amount of carbon sequestered over the long term. In addition, the interaction of carbon with soil minerals, such as clays, can further stabilize it, preventing its release.
Methodologies for the Quantification of Sequestered Carbon
Measuring soil carbon sequestration is complex and requires accurate and repeatable methodologies. Common methods include:
- Direct soil sampling : This involves taking soil samples at different depths and analysing their organic carbon content using techniques such as dry combustion or near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR). This method is highly accurate, but can be costly and laborious when applied to large areas of land ( ClimateTrade ).
- Modelling and estimations : Simulation models based on field data and specific soil and climate parameters are used to estimate carbon accumulation. Models such as RothC or Century are widely used for this purpose. These models require validation by direct sampling, but allow extrapolation of results to larger scales.
- Sensor and geospatial technologies : Sensor technology, combined with geospatial data, enables continuous monitoring of soil carbon sequestration. This technology relies on field sensors that measure relevant parameters such as soil moisture, temperature and microbial activity, which are then integrated into models to estimate carbon sequestration.
Carbon Credit Certification and Regulation
For carbon credits generated by regenerative agriculture to be accepted in carbon markets, they must be certified by recognized standards such as the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) or the Gold Standard. Certification requires:
- Independent verification : A third party verifies that agricultural practices are actually leading to carbon sequestration and that this sequestration is additional (i.e. would not have occurred without the implementation of such practices). This verification includes field audits and review of monitoring data ( ClimateTrade ).
- Registration on carbon markets : Once certified, carbon credits are registered on trading platforms such as ClimateTrade or MéxiCO2. These platforms allow farmers to sell their credits to companies seeking to offset their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- European and global regulations : The European Union and other international bodies are developing regulatory frameworks to standardise carbon credit certification and trading. The proposed EU law on the certification of CO2 removals seeks to standardise the methodology of carbon capture in agricultural soils, which could facilitate the adoption of regenerative agriculture on a large scale.
Implementation Examples
A recent example in Spain is the Azolla Projects project in collaboration with ClimateTrade, which seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the measurement and certification of carbon captured in regenerative agriculture practices. These types of initiatives demonstrate how regenerative agriculture can be integrated with carbon markets to not only improve agricultural sustainability, but also generate additional income for farmers through the sale of these credits.
In addition, large companies in the food and beverage sector are beginning to see the value of carbon credits and regenerative agriculture. Companies such as PepsiCo are implementing regenerative agriculture programs in their supply chains to reduce their carbon footprint, showing how these agricultural models can be a viable solution to achieve carbon neutrality goals ( El País ).
Moreover, recent research in agronomy and soil sciences has explored the impact of these practices on soil organic matter stability and climate change mitigation, highlighting their potential to become a key tool in the fight against global warming.
Regenerative agriculture in Mexico has focused on practices such as cover crop management, crop rotation, and animal integration to improve soil health and capture carbon. These methods not only promote sustainability, but can also be monetized through the generation of carbon credits.
Another relevant example in Mexico is the participation of rural communities in reforestation and sustainable land management programs, which have been integrated into carbon credit schemes. These projects not only help mitigate climate change, but also provide direct economic benefits to farmers who adopt sustainable practices. Mexico has been an active player in the carbon credit market, particularly through initiatives such as the MéxiCO2 market, operated by the Mexican Stock Exchange. This market facilitates the purchase and sale of carbon credits, which represent the reduction or capture of one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). In the agricultural sector, reforestation, soil conservation and regenerative agriculture projects are seen as key opportunities to generate these credits ( THE FOOD TECH ).
In Mexico, pilot projects have emerged that link regenerative agriculture with the generation of carbon credits.
- Conservation projects in Chiapas and Oaxaca : These initiatives have involved indigenous communities in forest conservation and the sustainable management of their lands. Through these projects, carbon credits are generated that are traded on international markets. These projects are crucial to demonstrate the viability of regenerative agriculture as a tool for carbon sequestration.
- Public-private partnerships : In Mexico, partnerships between the government, NGOs and the private sector are being explored to promote regenerative agriculture projects that are eligible for carbon credit certification. These initiatives seek to establish regulatory frameworks and methodologies that can be adopted at the national level.
Challenges and Opportunities
While regenerative agriculture and carbon offsets offer great opportunities, they also present challenges in Mexico, such as a lack of accurate data on carbon sequestration in agricultural soils and the need for increased training and resources for farmers. Successful implementation of these programs requires local capacity building and access to advanced technologies for carbon measurement and monitoring.
In summary, Mexico has significant potential to expand regenerative agriculture linked to carbon markets, which could offer economic and environmental benefits. However, regulatory frameworks and technical capacities need to be strengthened for these opportunities to materialize on a large scale.
Impact on Regenerative Agriculture
The use of carbon credits can provide an additional source of income for farmers, incentivizing the adoption of regenerative practices. Furthermore, by linking carbon capture to economic profitability, the transition to more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems can be accelerated, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change while improving productivity and soil health.
The longevity of the primary sector, human prosperity and survival itself depend on fertile soil, something that regenerative agriculture advocates for. In recent years, it has moved from being just another concept to a tangible approach that can save and secure our precious soils.
Unfortunately, many studies indicate that regenerative agriculture is not spreading as fast as it should, despite a growing movement to establish financial incentives and an increase in awareness of environmental issues. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of regenerative agriculture, as well as the reasons to predict widespread adoption in the future.