The Role of Livestock in Reviving the Earth’s “Soil Carbon Sponge”
October 22, 2024 | Source: Beef Central | by James Nason
FORMER CSIRO scientist Walter Jehne has emphasised an urgent need to regenerate the earth’s “soil carbon sponge” and the integral role livestock can play in enhancing soil health and water retention.
Addressing an Australian Holistic Management field day at Coombing Park, Carcoar, NSW on Friday, the internationally recognised soil microbiologist explained how livestock management can contribute to sustainable land use and environmental resilience.
How the landscape is managed in the next 20 years will be “so important for the future”, not just for the environment but for food security also, he said.
Central to his message is the concept of the earth’s “soil carbon sponge” – described as porous, well-aggregated soil, rich in plant roots, diverse life forms, nutrient availability, air and often holding lots of water.
Walter told the field day that the carbon sponge is foundational to the biosystems we rely on, influencing hydrology, nutrition, and overall ecosystem health.
He used a hydrograph to illustrate the importance of understanding what happens to rainfall.