Sustainable orchard management for soil carbon storage

This study demonstrates that sustainable orchard management with cover crops or green manures enhances soil organic carbon storage. Research quantifies organic matter in the top 30 cm of soil, identifying biofertility as a key indicator of soil organic matter quality and stability. Well-managed orchards in the Emilian-Romagnole region can sequester over 100 tonnes of carbon per hectare in the first metre of soil, with a total regional potential exceeding 5 million tonnes—making sustainable orchard practices a significant climate change mitigation strategy. Funded by the European Union and available via EU-FarmBook.