Increasing soil carbon

Soil carbon is an important indicator of healthy soil, influencing a range of factors that impact yield and quality.

Like most elements carbon can be present in soils in different forms. Carbon is present as organic or inorganic carbon. Inorganic carbon is mineral based with its most common form being calcium carbonate.

The carbon present in soil organic matter is referred to as organic carbon. Carbon is the main element present in soil organic matter, on average making up 58% by weight. Soil organic matter includes decaying plant material, soil organisms and microbes, and carbon compounds such as sugars, starches, proteins, carbohydrates, lignins, waxes, resins and organic acids.