The recent IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Land (2019) highlighted the contribution of land-use change and food production systems to global GHG emissions (approximately 23% of all emissions). If global emission targets are to be met, emissions from food production need to be significantly reduced and carbon sequestration opportunities within farmland need to be realised wherever it is reasonably possible.
Planted and managed pasture is a key source of nutrition for livestock, particularly in a dairy production context. An opportunity to remove additional carbon may exist through the improved management of pastures, thereby increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks over time. However, care needs to be taken to ensure that not only are changes in SOC reported, but the net change in GHG emissions due to the project activity once potential changes in fossil fuel-, fertilizer- and manure- use are considered.
This module focuses on defining, monitoring and reporting the improved management of pasture. Whereas the module has been developed for managed pastures in a dairy production context in Finland, it is applicable regionally within the EU.
During public consultation, we especially seek inputs on
Comments on the proposed approach in accounting project emissions due to increase in livestock within the managed pasture.
The SOC AM is to be applied in managed pasture, and not in indigenous grasslands. Managed pasture is akin to cropland management systems, and so harm to biodiversity is not anticipated. However, comments or any concerns thereof, on any expected loss in biodiversity due to enhanced productivity of pasture; as well as suggestions on additional safeguards are welcome.