A new protocol, developed by a coalition of organizations, will establish indicators to measure the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices in Brazil. The initiative aims to create a framework for producers to assess their progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving soil health. Partners in this effort include the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), the BiocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More & Co. research group from the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (Esalq/USP), and the European Commission. The protocol is designed to address a gap in the market by offering a standardized and transparent method for measuring the benefits of these practices.

The initiative is part of the ‘Carbon Neutral and Regenerative Agriculture’ project, which has been in development since 2021. The project’s coordinator, Ronaldo de Freitas, stated the need for clear measurements to qualify and quantify results, which is essential for scaling up adoption. The protocol provides a set of 12 indicators, divided into three categories: ‘Soil’, ‘Agrobiodiversity and Environment’, and ‘Social and Economic’. Biochar application is featured as a key indicator within the ‘Soil’ category, where it is measured based on the amount applied per hectare. Other indicators include the use of compost and manure, reduced soil disturbance, and crop diversity.

Field research, which began in 2023 and is ongoing, is being conducted on farms in Goiás, Mato Grosso, and Minas Gerais. The protocol aims to collect data on various agricultural systems and management types, including those involving biochar. The goal is to provide a reliable tool for producers, investors, and policymakers to evaluate environmental and economic impacts. This standardization is crucial for the development of carbon credit markets and for incentivizing farmers to adopt more sustainable methods. The project seeks to present a robust protocol that is adaptable to different scales and types of agricultural operations.

SOURCE: Protocolo cria indicadores para medir agricultura regenerativa e reduzir emissões de carbono