Soil Carbon in Grassland Systems
Soil Carbon in Grassland Systems
Part of the CHCx3 Project: Exploring High Carbon Capture Cropping
Why Grasslands Matter for Carbon Sequestration
Grassland systems are powerful carbon sinks, storing significant amounts of carbon in their soils. Managed correctly, these systems can play a vital role in helping the UK agriculture sector meet Net Zero targets.
CHCx3 research is exploring how different types of grassland—temporary, rotational, and permanent—contribute to carbon storage, soil health, and long-term sustainability.
What We're Investigating
Our research looks at how different management practices influence soil carbon levels, including:
Grazing regimes
Cutting cycles
Species diversity (e.g., herbal leys vs. traditional ryegrass)
Length of sward establishment (short-term leys vs. permanent pasture)
We’re also studying how these systems interact with soil structure, microbial life, and resilience to extreme weather.
Key Grassland Systems Under Study
Permanent Pasture
Long-established grasslands with high potential for long-term carbon storage.Rotational Leys
Grass or herb-rich swards grown in rotation with arable crops—often including species like clover and chicory.Temporary Grasslands
Short-term swards established for 2–5 years before being reseeded or returned to arable use.
How We Measure Carbon
Soil samples are taken at multiple depths and analyzed for:
Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)
Bulk density
Soil texture and structure
Carbon-to-nitrogen ratio
These indicators allow us to estimate how much carbon is being stored—and how this changes over time with different farming practices.
Why This Matters
Improving carbon storage in grassland soils:
Enhances soil health and fertility
Increases farm resilience to drought and flooding
Supports biodiversity
Offers a measurable contribution to climate goals
It also opens pathways to carbon credit schemes, potentially generating new income streams for farmers.
