Grasses Capture Carbon
What is carbon sequestration and why is it important? You may have read about how trees clean the air. It's true, but something you might not have heard is that grass does the same thing. Some studies have shown that grassy prairies can process atmospheric carbon even more efficiently than trees. Carbon sequestration is a fancy term that describes this process. When atmospheric carbon (carbon dioxide) is captured and recycled by plants and organisms in the soil as organic matter, it benefits all of us. Healthy soil supports billions of these microbes per teaspoon. We aren't out in the fields with teaspoons very often to check the numbers, but that's what the soil scientists tell us. It's hard to imagine that there are more microorganisms in a teaspoon full of dirt than there are people living on the earth.
Managed grazing plays an important role in the process too. Grazing animals will eat a portion of the grasses, trample some of it underfoot as compost, and also leave behind some organic fertilizer to help grow the next crop of grasses. We don't use chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides on our farms because that harms the life in the ground and above the ground. Our farmers rotate pastures so the land also has a chance to rest and restore. Healthy soils produce deep rooted plants that pull carbon deeper into the soil for microorganisms to use. These soils also reduce erosion and runoff by capturing and holding moisture far better than compacted soils. Soil health relies on the tiny, microscopic critters that live in the soils. We're doing our best to encourage future generations to take up the mantle of regenerative farming. Our hope is that one day our generation is able to pass along a planet that has clean air and water, healthier soils that produce more nutritious plants and animals, and ecosystems that are vibrant and thriving with abundant life. We believe it's a worthwhile mission and we're only able to continue this task because of loyal patrons like you. Thank YOU!
All the Best, Team USWM |
