Carbon removals associated with incremental gains in soil organic carbon (SOC) at scale
have enormous potential to mitigate global warming, yet confusion over contexts that elicit
SOC accrual abound. Here, we examine how bespoke interventions (through irrigation,
fertiliser, crop type and rotations), antecedent SOC levels and soil type impact on long-term
SOC accrual and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Using a whole farm systems modelling
approach informed using participatory research, we discovered an inverse relationship …

Incremental gains in soil organic carbon (SOC) at scale has enormous potential to mitigate
global warming, yet confusion over contexts that elicit SOC accumulation abound. Here, we
examine how adaptation (through irrigation, fertiliser, crop type and rotations), status quo
SOC levels and soil type impact on long-term SOC sequestration and net greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions. We discover an inverse relationship between antecedent SOC stocks and
relative change in SOC stocks, with greater initial SOC levels resulting in lower ex poste …