Soil Carbon Sequestration & Carbon Farming: Maximize Soil's Carbon Storage

Introduction:

Soil Carbon Sequestration & Carbon Farming empowers professionals to leverage soil's natural capacity to capture and store atmospheric carbon, mitigating climate change. This course focuses on understanding soil carbon dynamics, implementing carbon farming techniques, and participating in carbon markets. Participants will learn to enhance soil health, improve agricultural productivity, and generate carbon credits. This course bridges the gap between conventional agriculture and the urgent need for climate solutions, enabling professionals to become key players in carbon sequestration and sustainable land management.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for professionals involved in agriculture, land management, and climate change mitigation, including:

• Farmers and Agricultural Producers
• Soil Scientists
• Agronomists
• Environmental Consultants
• Land Managers
• Carbon Market Professionals
• Policy Analysts
• Sustainability Managers

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this Soil Carbon Sequestration & Carbon Farming course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles of soil carbon sequestration and carbon farming.
• Implement techniques for assessing soil carbon stocks and changes.
• Develop and implement carbon farming practices (cover cropping, no-till, agroforestry).
• Understand the role of soil organic matter in carbon sequestration and soil health.
• Implement strategies for enhancing soil microbial activity and carbon storage.
• Understand the principles of carbon accounting and verification.
• Implement strategies for participating in carbon markets and ecosystem service payments.
• Understand the role of policy and incentives in promoting carbon farming.
• Implement strategies for integrating carbon farming into farm and land management plans.
• Understand the impact of land use change on soil carbon sequestration.
• Evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of carbon farming.
• Enhance their ability to design and implement effective soil carbon sequestration projects.
• Improve land productivity and ecosystem resilience through carbon farming practices.
• Contribute to climate change mitigation and sustainable land management.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in soil carbon sequestration.
• Become a knowledgeable and effective carbon farming professional.
• Understand ethical considerations in carbon farming and carbon market participation.
• Learn how to use soil carbon assessment and carbon accounting tools effectively.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Soil Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Farming

• Overview of climate change and the role of soil in carbon sequestration.
• Understanding the principles of soil carbon dynamics and storage.
• Introduction to the concept of carbon farming and its benefits.
• Review of relevant international and national initiatives on soil carbon sequestration.
• Setting the stage for maximizing soil's carbon storage potential.

Module 2: Soil Carbon Stocks and Changes Assessment

• Implementing techniques for assessing soil carbon stocks (organic carbon, inorganic carbon).
• Utilizing soil sampling methods and laboratory analysis.
• Analyzing soil carbon changes over time and space.
• Understanding the role of soil carbon modeling and remote sensing.
• Understanding the importance of baseline data and monitoring.

Module 3: Carbon Farming Practices: Cover Cropping and Crop Rotations

• Implementing strategies for incorporating cover crops and diverse crop rotations for carbon sequestration.
• Utilizing techniques for selecting and managing cover crop species.
• Analyzing the role of crop residue management and green manures.
• Understanding the principles of intercropping and agroecological diversification.
• Understanding the importance of adapting practices to local conditions.

Module 4: Carbon Farming Practices: No-Till and Reduced Tillage

• Understanding the principles and benefits of no-till and reduced tillage for carbon storage.
• Implementing techniques for minimizing soil disturbance and preserving soil structure.
• Analyzing the role of direct seeding and residue management.
• Understanding the principles of controlled traffic farming and precision agriculture.
• Understanding the importance of long-term adoption and adaptation.

Module 5: Carbon Farming Practices: Agroforestry and Perennial Cropping Systems

• Implementing strategies for integrating trees and perennial crops into agricultural landscapes for carbon sequestration.
• Utilizing techniques for designing and managing agroforestry systems.
• Analyzing the role of perennial crops in soil carbon storage and ecosystem resilience.
• Understanding the principles of silvopasture and alley cropping.
• Understanding the importance of integrating trees into landscape planning.

Module 6: Soil Organic Matter and Carbon Sequestration Mechanisms

• Understanding the role of soil organic matter (SOM) in carbon sequestration and soil health.
• Analyzing the mechanisms of carbon storage in different soil fractions.
• Implementing strategies for increasing SOM through organic amendments and management practices.
• Understanding the principles of soil carbon stabilization and turnover.
• Understanding the importance of soil aggregation.

Module 7: Enhancing Soil Microbial Activity and Carbon Storage

• Implementing strategies for enhancing soil microbial activity and biodiversity for carbon storage.
• Utilizing techniques for inoculating soils with beneficial microorganisms.
• Analyzing the role of diverse plant communities in supporting soil biodiversity.
• Understanding the principles of soil food web dynamics and ecosystem function.
• Understanding the importance of microbial community analysis.

Module 8: Carbon Accounting and Verification

• Understanding the principles of carbon accounting and reporting for carbon farming projects.
• Implementing techniques for quantifying carbon sequestration and emission reductions.
• Analyzing the role of verification and certification in carbon markets.
• Understanding the principles of additionality and permanence in carbon sequestration.
• Understanding the importance of data management and transparency.

Module 9: Participating in Carbon Markets and Ecosystem Service Payments

• Implementing strategies for participating in carbon markets and ecosystem service payment schemes.
• Utilizing techniques for developing carbon farming project proposals.
• Analyzing the role of carbon aggregators and brokers.
• Understanding the principles of carbon credit trading and pricing.
• Understanding the importance of fair and equitable payment schemes.

Module 10: Policy and Incentives for Carbon Farming

• Understanding the role of policy and incentives in promoting carbon farming.
• Analyzing national and international climate policies related to agriculture and land use.
• Implementing strategies for promoting policy reforms and farmer support programs.
• Understanding the principles of carbon pricing and regulatory frameworks.
• Understanding the importance of farmer education and extension.

Module 11: Integrating Carbon Farming into Farm and Land Management Plans

• Implementing strategies for integrating carbon farming practices into farm and land management plans.
• Utilizing techniques for developing whole-farm planning and adaptive management.
• Analyzing the role of participatory planning and stakeholder engagement.
• Understanding the principles of risk assessment and resilience planning.
• Understanding the importance of continuous improvement and learning.

Module 12: Economic and Environmental Benefits of Carbon Farming

• Implementing methodologies for evaluating the economic and environmental benefits of carbon farming.
• Utilizing cost-benefit analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA).
• Analyzing the role of ecosystem service valuation and natural capital accounting.
• Understanding the principles of sustainable agriculture economics.
• Understanding the importance of long-term economic viability and social benefits.

Module 13: Impact of Land Use Change on Soil Carbon Sequestration

• Understanding the impact of land use change (deforestation, conversion to agriculture) on soil carbon sequestration.
• Implementing strategies for avoiding land use change and promoting sustainable land management.
• Analyzing the role of land restoration and afforestation in carbon sequestration.
• Understanding the principles of land use planning and zoning for carbon storage.
• Understanding the importance of integrated landscape management.

Module 14: Case Studies and Best Practices in Soil Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Farming

• Analyzing real-world case studies of successful soil carbon sequestration and carbon farming initiatives.
• Learning from best practices across different regions and sectors.
• Identifying key lessons learned and challenges in implementation.
• Discussing the role of innovation and adaptation.
• Sharing knowledge and experience.

Module 15: Future Trends and Action Planning for Soil Carbon Sequestration

• Exploring emerging trends and opportunities in soil carbon sequestration (digital technologies, AI, remote sensing).
• Developing action plans for advancing soil carbon sequestration within organizations and communities.
• Analyzing the role of individual and collective action.
• Understanding the importance of long-term commitment and continuous learning.
• Understanding how to stay up to date on soil carbon sequestration information.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.