The Gold Standard “Low Tillage Methodology” is a globally applicable methodology under Gold Standard Agriculture that addresses the most potent greenhouse gas (GHG) sink in the agricultural sector.

With this methodology it is possible to account for GHG emissions from agriculture by changing soil tillage practices within agricultural systems. Activities can prevent emissions from the soil as well as sequestration of carbon in the soil, both of which result in increased soil organic carbon (SOC) content.

Agricultural soils are responsible for almost one third of the total agricultural emissions (32% in 2005) and are projected to increase its contribution to 36% in 2030. (Data Source: CCAFS 2015; Smith et al. 2008) Under the premise of improved agricultural practices, agricultural soils can store between 1,500-1,600 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents per year over an assumed time horizon of 20 years (Smith et al. 2008). This corresponds to 22-23% of total agricultural emissions in 2030 (CCAFS 2015).

The Gold Standard Low Tillage Methodology [PDF]

Image: © Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)