Pilot project explores how soil organic carbon boosts resilience

Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC) has begun a pilot project exploring how improving soil organic carbon can reduce production risks and boost drought resilience on farms.

The project is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership between the federal government and the province. AFSC’s project is one part of a national initiative focusing on best management practices that could influence how crop insurance evolves.

The project: Exploring soil organic carbon

The soil organic carbon (SOC) best management practices pilot project uses satellite-derived data to evaluate soil organic carbon in fields at the quarter-section level. SOC is the measurable component of soil organic matter (SOM) making up 50 to 60 per cent of its composition.

• Why is it helpful?

Soil organic matter improves soil structure, water retention, and drought resilience – critical benefits in Alberta’s variable climate. Preliminary AFSC analysis showed that above average SOC levels reduced crop insurance indemnities by $25/ac.

• What do producers need to do?

Nothing. AFSC has partnered with the Food Water & Wellness Foundation, an organization that collects soil organic carbon data. The pilot will compare SOC levels to wheat yields in Risk Area 13 (Vermilion/Vegreville).