Enhancing New Zealands Lawns & Gardens for Carbon Sequestration.
Beyond Carbon Emissions: A Broader Perspective
In the ongoing discussion surrounding climate change, there is a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions. This approach often emphasises individual actions and business initiatives, such as switching to electric vehicles or utilising renewable energy sources like solar panels.
However, this limited perspective can overlook the broader potential of enhancing carbon sequestration—a strategy that benefits the entire ecosystem, including humans, animals, plants, soils, and the environment as a whole.
One of New Zealand's primary tools for carbon capture has been the establishment of pine plantations or forests. While this method is effective, it has its drawbacks; as the trees mature and are eventually harvested, they release carbon back into the atmosphere.
Did you know that the carbon capture ability of trees is influenced by the soil in which they grow. Healthy, fertile soils with balanced pH levels, good structure, and active microbial communities provide the optimal conditions for tree growth and carbon sequestration. At DCT, we have contributed to developing products that encourage the growth of trees that are more efficient at capturing carbon.
Using trees as our sole or main strategy for carbon capture has limitations such as where tree plantations can be established; not everyone has the space or desires a forest in their backyard. Converting productive agricultural land into pine plantations is not a sustainable long-term strategy, especially considering the time required to revert pine plantation land back to pasture or food production, although we at DCT do have products to assist with that.
So, what alternatives do we have? Today, we will explore another option: using soil as a medium for carbon capture.
This approach presents numerous advantages, as it does not necessitate the conversion of productive farmland, and even the smallest plots can become long-term carbon sinks.
This means that even you, with your small lawn, can contribute by improving soil health and its capacity to capture and store carbon, helping us Kiwis make significant progress toward our climate goals.
This comprehensive strategy addresses climate change on a larger scale, offering a multitude of benefits that extend beyond simple emission reductions.
A Unified Approach to Climate Goals
Enhancing soil carbon sequestration is not just an agricultural or environmental initiative; it is a collective movement toward a sustainable future.
By prioritising soil health, we can achieve multiple objectives concurrently: reducing atmospheric greenhouse gases, enhancing biodiversity, improving food security, and strengthening community resilience.
Incorporating soil carbon sequestration into our climate strategies represents a shift toward a more inclusive and far-reaching approach. It acknowledges that the fight against climate change is not just about reducing emissions but also about enhancing the natural processes that sustain life on Earth.
By focusing on the soil beneath our feet, we unlock a powerful tool in the global effort to combat climate change—one that benefits all of humanity and the planet we call home.
but there are more hidden benefits to this approach, so lets explore some of the Benefits of Enhanced Soil Carbon Sequestration
Holistic Environmental Benefits:
Soil carbon sequestration supports biodiversity by improving habitat quality for various organisms, ranging from soil microbes to larger fauna.
Healthy soils contribute to cleaner air and water by acting as natural filters and reducing the need for chemical inputs in agriculture.
Agricultural Productivity and Food Security:
Enhanced soil health leads to increased agricultural productivity, ensuring food security in the face of climate change.
Improved soil structure and nutrient availability result in higher crop yields and more resilient agricultural systems.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability:
By increasing soil organic matter, we bolster the land's resilience to climate impacts, such as droughts and floods.
This approach fosters sustainable land management practices, promoting the long-term health of ecosystems and human communities.
Community and Economic Benefits:
Engaging local communities in soil improvement projects can empower them with new skills and knowledge, leading to economic opportunities and job creation.
Increased awareness and adoption of sustainable practices contribute to a collective effort in mitigating climate change.
so now that we have established the benefits lets take a look at the Carbon Sequestration Potential of soil
The potential of soil to sequester carbon varies significantly based on the soils condition and management.
Compacted or diminished soils have a limited ability to store carbon, typically sequestering only 0.1 to 0.3 kg of carbon per square meter annually. In contrast, typical agricultural soils without significant compaction can store slightly more, usually ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 kg of carbon per square meter annually.
When soils have been restored, the carbon sequestration potential of soil increases dramatically.
Restored soils can potentially sequester between 0.5 to 1.5 kg of carbon per square meter annually. This enhancement is due to improved soil structure, increased microbial activity, and higher organic matter content facilitated by the treatment.
Impact Over Larger Areas
To understand the broader impact, consider the carbon emissions of an average car, which releases approximately 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year. Given that one metric ton of CO2 contains about 0.27 metric tons of carbon, offsetting these emissions would require sequestering approximately 1.24 metric tons of carbon annually.
Using the upper range of the carbon sequestration potential for restored soils (1.5 kg/m²/year), it would take approximately 8,267 square meters of land—about the size of a football field—to offset the annual emissions of one car. This example highlights the significant potential of restored soils in contributing to carbon neutrality on a larger scale.
The potential oy you and your neighbours
lets workout the potential of using New Zealand residential backyards for carbon sequestion On average, a residential backyard in New Zealand ranges from about 300 to 600 square meters. However, in densely populated urban centers like Auckland or Wellington, backyards might be smaller, ranging closer to the lower end of this scale.
New Zealand's population is around 5 million people, with approximately 1.8 million households. While not every household has a backyard (such as those living in apartment complexes), a significant proportion do, especially in suburban and rural areas. If we estimate that about 70% of these households have a backyard, that would result in approximately 1.26 million backyards across the country.
Therefore, the total area of backyards in New Zealand is estimated to be between 37,800 and 75,600 hectares.
I wont bother you with the the math here but by treating New Zealand backyards improving the soil quality, the country could sequester between 189,000 and 1,134,000 metric tons of carbon annually that is the equivalent of removing on the low end 152,097 cars to on the high end 913,851 cars.
lets seen what happens if we add in land owned by local council
As of recent data, New Zealand's local councils collectively manage approximately 30,000 hectares of land designated as public parks and reserves.
Therefore, if we include this land we stand to offset the carbon emissions of approximately 362,678 cars per year.
all up that is the potential to remove the carbon emissions of 1,276,493 cars without changing any land use and only adding environmental and social benefits (win, win)
This substantial impact underscores the potential of enhanced soil carbon sequestration in contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
Appearance v’s Reality: The hidden quality of soil
Now that we've discussed the necessity, advantages, and outcomes, let's delve deeper into the topic of soil.
Now, I imagine some of you haven't given much thought to the soil and may have focused instead on the lush green grass, fruit trees, or other thriving plants in nature, believing that your soil is in excellent condition.
However, after spending over 20 years in this industry, I can assure you that you're not alone; even those who consider themselves "experts" have often been misled in their assumptions about soil health.
This is largely due to the fact that much of the science surrounding soil is not widely taught and when it comes to assessing soil quality, appearances can be deceiving. Observing soil from the surface can often lead to misconceptions about its true health and fertility. Here's why relying solely on a surface view might give a false sense of soil quality:
Surface Appearance vs. Subsurface Reality: The topsoil may look healthy due to plant cover or mulch, but this can hide issues like compaction and poor drainage. Similarly, rich colour and soft texture on the surface don't always indicate healthy soil beneath.
Hidden Compaction: Compaction below the surface restricts root growth and limits water and nutrient storage, often unnoticed without deeper examination.
Nutrient Distribution: Nutrient levels can vary with depth. Surface soil might be nutrient-rich, but deeper layers could be depleted, and surface-applied nutrients may leach away.
Microbial Activity: Surface organisms are just part of the ecosystem. Vital microbial communities are usually deeper, and their balance is crucial for soil health and disease resistance.
Moisture Content: Surface moisture can be misleading, with deeper layers remaining dry, affecting plant water uptake. Surface observations often miss drainage issues leading to waterlogging or erosion.
pH Variations: Soil pH varies with depth, influencing nutrient availability and microbial activity. Testing only the topsoil may not reflect the true pH balance.
Soil degradation is a significant global issue, affecting agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and the ability of ecosystems to sequester carbon.
It is estimated that about one-third of the world's soil is already degraded, with millions of hectares lost each year to erosion, salinisation, compaction, and chemical contamination.
How Lazerhume and DCT Products Enhance Soil for Carbon Sequestration
Here’s the potential solution to the problem, along with a subtle promotion of our products. The good news regarding the climate is that the work has been completed, and the product is now available!
Understanding Lazerhume
Lazerhume plays a crucial role in improving soil health and enhancing its capacity for carbon sequestration. By incorporating Lazerhume into soil management practices, we can transform ordinary soil into an efficient carbon sequestering machine.
Benefits of Lazerhume for Soil Health
Improved Soil Structure:
Lazerhume helps to loosen compacted soil, improving aeration and water infiltration. This enhanced structure allows for deeper root penetration, promoting healthier plant growth and increased carbon capture.
Enhanced Nutrient Availability:
Lazerhume acts as a natural chelator, binding with essential nutrients and making them more available to plants. This increased nutrient availability supports vigorous plant growth, which in turn enhances the soil's ability to sequester carbon.
Increased Microbial Activity:
Lazerhume stimulates microbial activity in the soil. These microbes play a critical role in breaking down organic matter and cycling nutrients, enhancing soil fertility and its carbon storage potential.
Improved Water Retention:
Soils treated with Lazerhume exhibit better water retention, reducing the need for irrigation and helping plants withstand periods of drought. This resilience not only supports plant health but also contributes to a stable carbon reservoir.
Restored Soil pH Balance:
Lazerhume can help buffer soil pH, creating an environment conducive to plant growth and microbial activity. A balanced pH enhances nutrient uptake and supports the overall health of the soil ecosystem.
Transforming Soil into a Carbon Sequestering Machine
Enhanced Carbon Capture
By improving soil structure, nutrient availability, and microbial activity, Lazerhume enables soils to capture and store more carbon. Healthy plants contribute organic matter to the soil, which is then converted into stable carbon compounds by microbial processes. This transformation increases the soil's organic carbon content, making it a long-term carbon sink.
Sustainable Land Management
Incorporating Lazerhume into soil management practices supports sustainable agriculture and land use. It reduces the need for chemical fertilisers and improves soil resilience, contributing to ecological balance and environmental sustainability.
Community and Environmental Benefits
Using Lazerhume not only enhances soil's carbon sequestration capabilities but also offers broader environmental and economic benefits. Healthier soils lead to increased agricultural productivity, improved biodiversity, and reduced carbon emissions, fostering a sustainable future for communities and ecosystems.
Lazerhume, is a powerful tool for transforming soil into a lean, green carbon sequestering machine. By enhancing soil health and promoting sustainable management practices, Lazerhume helps unlock the full potential of soils to combat climate change and support a healthier planet.
There are other products available that make similar claims, but DCT’s Lazerhume stands out with over two decades of proven use. It is registered with Bio Gro, designed and manufactured in New Zealand, made with quality safe ingredients, and tested locally. The advantages are extensive.
Disclaimer on Scientific Accuracy
In crafting this article, we have endeavoured to use the most accurate and up to date scientific data available to present a comprehensive view of soil carbon sequestration and its impacts. However, it is important to note that the fields of environmental science and climate change are complex and ever-evolving. While we strive for precision, there may be instances where data or interpretations could be subject to revision as new research emerges.
Mistakes and oversights are possible despite our best efforts. Therefore, we advise readers to consider this article as a guide and not as an absolute or exhaustive scientific authority. For critical decisions or further research, consulting peer-reviewed studies and expert opinions is recommended. We welcome constructive feedback to enhance the accuracy and quality of our discussions on this important subject.
