Farm greenhouse gas balance sets the starting signal for climate-positive farming

The agricultural sector is increasingly affected by climate change. Adapting to the new growing conditions and increasing climate awareness among customers is of great importance for farmers who needs to make long-term investment decisions that are sustainable and profitable.

Converting farms into climate-positive operation involves a perspective shift in which the farm’s current crop and/or livestock production is assessed. The calculation includes the purchase of fertilizers and feed, livestock emissions, manure storage and spreading, tillage and carbon sequestration on the farm.

Waila calculated a comprehensive greenhouse gas balance for a large organic farm on Gotland with crop and livestock production for the production year 2020. The detailed climate calculation was carried out using a comprehensive software solution and a calculation of the carbon sequestration on the acres, grasslands and forests of the farm .

The results visualize how the overall climate impact of the farm can be optimized in the most effective way. We were positively surprised when we discovered that it is possible to multiply the climate benefit of biochar systems by the factor of 10 with biochar cascading use strategies.

Based on the results of the greenhouse gas balance, Waila recommended concrete measures to achieve a climate-positive production and to optimize the profitability of the farm operation.

For our client, this study  is the starting point for the farm’s transition to a climate-positive agricultural production. We look forward to supporting the farm until this target is reached.