A recent study by the Soil Association Exchange (SAE) shows that cows play a crucial role in renewing farm soil. The research reveals that farms with a mixture of arable crops and livestock have about 33% more carbon stored. This is largely attributed to the animals’ manure, which enriches the soil and helps capture more carbon.
Biodiversity Benefits of Mixed Arable and Livestock Farms
The study also found that mixed arable and livestock farms support a higher number of grassland plant species. On average, these farms have 28 plant species per field, while arable-only farms have 25. Dairy-only farms have the lowest number, with 22 plant species per field.
Joseph Gridley, chief executive of SAE, noted that livestock on farms does lead to higher emissions. Farms with livestock have about five to six times more emissions compared to those without. However, integrating livestock into the farming system improves soil health and biodiversity on every metric.
Soil Degradation and Potential Solutions
The state of soil degradation worldwide is complex, according to researchers at Oxford University and Our World In Data. Some soils have an expected lifespan of fewer than 100 years, while others may last at least 5,000 years.
To address the issue of methane emissions from cattle, Defra has been investigating methane blockers. These substances, such as essential oils, probiotics, and seaweed, can be added to cattle feed. This reduces the amount of burps and wind they generate, thus lowering methane emissions.
The Green Alliance charity suggests that feeding Bovaer, a methane blocker, to one-third of the UK’s dairy cows could help. This action could cut the country’s emissions by approximately 1%, according to their findings. However, farmers are reluctant to pay extra for this without any direct benefits. The campaign group has called for methane blockers to be subsidized, similar to other green farming schemes.
Key Takeaways
- Cows play a vital role in renewing farm soil and capturing more carbon
- Mixed arable and livestock farms have higher carbon storage and biodiversity compared to single-use farms
- Soil degradation is a complex issue, with some soils having shorter lifespans than others
- Methane blockers can help reduce emissions from cattle, but farmers need incentives to adopt them
By implementing sustainable farming practices and supporting initiatives that promote soil health, we can work towards a more resilient agricultural system. Reducing emissions from cattle is also crucial in the fight against climate change.
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