Carbon Sequestration: LIVING LAB UPDATE

Carbon Sequestration: LIVING LAB UPDATE

We have been participating in the Living Lab carbon baseline studies over the past few years and recently received a report on the findings.  The project has taken core samplings up to 1 metre in depth and documents a variety of metrics including soil temperature, soil density, root depth, carbon sequestered and organic matter.  The results are so encouraging and positive. 

We see that on Burke Creek land we are sequestering approximately 214 tonnes per acre and nearly all of the core samples showed root depth to the depth of the 1 metre core.  Even on our hay land, which is cultivated but only re-seeded every 10-12 years, shows carbon content at this level.  Scientific feedback is this is due to the way we graze these lands, feed on the land and limit compaction by not farming it annually.  The Living Lab group reported this is the “highest results of carbon they are measuring in the province”.  Feedback from Living Lab group team is average cultivated land in southern Alberta sequesters 160 tonnes per acre.

Living Labs will return next year to sample again which will look to see if any of the attempts at improved practices we are trialing make a measurable difference. In the meantime we are continuing to work on smaller and more intensive rotations on our less hilly land, trying inter-seeding some nitrogen rich legumes into some of our less productive tame pastures and more cross fencing on the hilly land where water locations permit.  All with the effort to improve soil health and increase carbon sequestered. Healthy soil = healthy ecosystem = healthy livestock = healthy food!