UPM Biofore Magazine 1-2019

Since only the seeds are harvested, the plant is left to decompose, forming a thick ground cover that adds organic matter to the soil and promotes carbon sequestration.

THE CARINATA SEED is unfit for human consumption, yet it contains oil that is highly suitable as raw material for biofuel. The non-genetically modified seed meal meanwhile provides high-quality protein for cattle feed.

it carbon negative, turning the field into a carbon sink. Farmers contracted by UPM to cultivate carinata plants agree to follow certain conditions and management practices to improve the soil’s ability to absorb carbon. At the Paris Climate Summit in 2015, all countries were encouraged to increase their soil carbon reserves by four parts per thousand each year. Additional carbon sequestration in soil is a promising ‘negative emissions’ opportunity to mitigate climate change. It has been calculated that a 0.4% annual increase in soil carbon stocks could offset the negative impacts of anthropogenic CO 2 emissions. “We already know that with

correct management practices carinata’s carbon-binding capacity can exceed the four parts per thousand Paris target. We are now working with our partners on mathematical accurately. Carbon accumulation and biomass are for instance measured directly from the planted soil. Even a small increase in carbon stock is a significant and effective method to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide,” notes Ranta. The right crop for the job Approaching us from across the carinata field is Dr Calliope Panoutsou , a Senior Research Fellow modelling methods to calculate the effects of carbon sinks more

from London Imperial College with long-term experience studying Brassica carinata and its cultivation, yields and soil-improving properties. Her current research focuses on understanding and assessing good practices and impacts from introducing novel biomass supply chains including cropped options that can improve the sustainable performance of biofuels through carbon farming. “Agriculture is estimated to produce 10–15% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. This makes it the third largest source of CO 2 emissions immediately after energy production and transport. Recent research confirms that by improving the ability

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