Carbon Sink Project: Regenerative Radial Soil System for Livestock in the Native Savanna of Vichada, Colombia

Abstract

Abstract One option to remove greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the atmosphere is to implement initiatives that use natural carbon sinks, including oceans, plants, forests, and soil. The global soil carbon sequestration potential is estimated to be 4–5 GtCO2/year, assuming best management practices are implemented (Paustain, 2019). However, conventional farming practices associated with extensive livestock grazing in tropical areas worsen global climate change by releasing GHG and promoting soil desertification due to erosion, compaction of soil, and loss of organic matter. This study presents a unique Soil-Based carbon sequestration project that integrates livestock, soil improvement, forestation, carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration, methane (CH4) utilization, and nitrous oxide (N2O) reduction. It presents a combination of technologies that originates the rational rotational regenerative (RRR) grazing system and how this approach adapts cattle farming activities to climate change to offset GHG emissions. It includes biogas and biofertilizer production from waste to reduce the use of chemical fertilizer. The produced biogas would replace the community's firewood cooking method commonly used. This system closes the loop for an entirely circular economy, achieving proper climate-smart livestock production as livestock's importance is undisputable for food security. Results show that the proposed radial module is a very efficient carbon sink system able to capture twice the amount of equivalent emissions that cattle emit. It also organically improves the quality of the soils and produces 500 tons of hummus, 1,666 tons of organic fertilizer, and 71,400 m3 of biogas per year for bioenergy utilization. The project also looks to safeguard forests, protect biodiversity by forming ecological corridors, and optimize water management. This natural climate solution design looks to deliver environmental, biodiversity, and social benefits in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.