Latvian farmers, in collaboration with scientists, have been experimenting with different farming methods. Over the past five years, these farmers have tried out three practices — biochar, controlled drainage and no-till farming — with the hope of transforming traditional agriculture into a positive force for climate change.
The project, entitled LIFECRAFT and mainly funded by the European Commission, aimed to find new solutions to achieve carbon neutrality and has delivered its results. Scientists hope that these methods could be included in European Union legislation and the subsidy system of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). In their research, results on drainage and no-till farming have proved promising.
Some promising findings for no-till farming
No-till farming involves abstaining from plowing fields. This method is based on the principle of allowing nature to manage itself, minimizing human intervention as much as possible.
Aivars Cimermanis, the owner of the Angi farm, ought the opportunity to experiment with no-till seeding through LIFECRAFT. Within four years, insects, fungi and other bacteria had invaded and revitalized the farmer’s soil thanks to this method.
“Yields were the same or even higher,” said Aivars Cimermanis to LSM, Latvian’s public broadcaster, while fuel consumption was reduced by 30 to 40 liters per hectare, compared with 90 to 110 liters for conventional farming.
By using the no-till technique, Aivars Cimermanis absorbs one metric ton of CO2 per hectare annually, turning his farm into a net-zero activity, alternating with cereals and beans. No-till farming also means changing crops every year.
This method also has drawbacks, such as the increased risk of pests in plantations.
These environmentally sustainable farming practices might attract investment interest, particularly within the framework of the European Union’s Emissions Trading System.
Controlled drainage to minimize water loss
Scientists have identified the controlle drainage system as a second method for bringing closer the environment and productivity stakes. With controlled drainage, excess water no longer flows into ditches at the edges of fields, but is stored within the soil, regulating the flow. This system offers farmers the opportunity to minimize unnecessary water losses, adapt to water shortages and reduce the risk of flooding.
This allows farmers to use less fertilizer, as it is no longer washed into natural water sources, but is recovered by the drainage system. Moreover, this solution also solves certain environmental risks, as chemicals no longer penetrate aquatic ecosystems, thus reducing the pollution of rivers and ponds.
More disappointing results for biochar
However, the incorporation of biochar, a neologism from bio and charcoal, into soils has not proved very successful. Biochar, a carbon-based material, is formed by heating biomass in the absence of oxygen. This process is called pyrolysis. One example of biochar is charcoa. Moreover, the production of biochar is accessible to all farmers with wood or agricultural residues.
It is then incorporated into the soil. One of its advantages lies in its ability to absorb water when wet and gradually release it during dry periods, enhancing soil moisture.
Scientists thought incorporating biochar into soils could increase productivity, but the results were inconclusive, with productivity remaining fairly similar. Biochar still has ecological benefits in reducing soil acidity and improving soil tilth.
Unlike the conclusions put forth by LIFECRAFT, other scientific studies have demonstrated that incorporating biochar into soils leads to a significant increase in yield. By compiling the results of 26 separate studies on biochar, scientists have concluded that, on average, productivity increases by 13% following the incorporation of biochar into soils.
Paul Raymond
