Farm That Breathes in Reverse

In Pindamonhangaba, Fazenda São Pedro da Mantiqueira revealed that, despite using diesel, cattle, and fertilizers, the carbon it captures in the soil exceeds what it releases by 30%. The survey, conducted by researcher Susian Christian Martins and audited by KPMG, positions the rural property as a carbon sink within the criteria of the GHG Protocol for Agriculture and Livestock.

How the Gas Balance Works

The calculation considers everything the farm emits – fuel, enteric fermentation, fertilizers – and everything it removes, mainly carbon fixation by plant roots. When removal exceeds emission, the result is negative, and the property functions as an atmospheric drain.

Methodology and Measurement Depth

The calculation used three approaches for soil carbon: Tier 2, Tier 3, and Metric Tier 3, the latter being direct measurement by CHN laboratory analysis. Unlike the 30 cm standard used in temperate soils, Fazenda São Pedro measured up to 2 m, revealing that the layer between 30 cm and 2 m stores 330.67 tCO₂eq ha⁻¹, more than the 267.08 tCO₂eq ha⁻¹ in the first 30 cm.

Ephemeral Carbon and Annual Flux

In addition to permanent stock, the property also accounts for ephemeral carbon – what plants fix and largely returns quickly to the atmosphere. This annual flux is separated from the greenhouse gas balance to avoid confusion with permanent sequestration.

Impact on Agribusiness

The study highlights that accounting for greenhouse gas emissions and removals gains relevance as producers seek to measure their climate impact and identify practices that reduce emissions or increase carbon capture. Fazenda São Pedro da Mantiqueira serves as an example that proper management can transform a property into a carbon sink, even in deep tropical soils.

With information from Globo Rural, ncnews.com.br, boca.com.br.