Down to Dirt: Supporting Soil Biodiversity
Soils are one of the most biodiverse habitats on Earth, containing over 25% of the planet’s biological diversity. Just one gram of healthy soil can contain up to a billion bacterial cells, hundreds of meters of fungal networks, and a wide range of microscopic and macroscopic organisms like nematodes and arthropods [1]. These complex biotic communities are critical for overall ecosystem health, cycling nutrients, and storing carbon across a wide range of environments. Investments into nature-based carbon projects provide a unique opportunity to protect these lively microcosms while promoting meaningful climate action.
Forests: Supporting Rich Soil Communities
Healthy forest soils are bursting with life. Forest ecosystems create a unique underground habitat for soil organisms. Tree roots stabilize the soil and create channels for water and air to filter through. Leaf litter and organic matter from trees enrich the soil with nutrients, feeding microbial life. Forest canopies moderate temperature and moisture, creating a hospitable environment for soil organisms [2]. Collectively the above and belowground characteristics of well-managed forest stands demonstrate the symbiotic relationship of soils supporting the trees, and vice versa. The loss of forestland degrades soil quality, reduces organic matter, and displaces soil-dwelling species [1]. Conversion to arable land, not just development, may result in permanent biodiversity losses, with soil communities failing to recover decades after the event [1]. Funding sustainable forest management and reforestation efforts helps to maintain these dynamic systems and restore conditions that support thriving soil communities.
Grasslands: Preserving Dynamic Soil Ecosystems
Grassland ecosystems also serve as critical reservoirs of soil biodiversity. The dense root systems in perennial grassland ecosystems, like those of the Great Plains, provide food, shelter, and stability for soil macrofauna and microbial communities. Growth and decay cycles of perennial grasses contribute to a steady flow of nutrients into the soil and increased soil organic matter, which provide habitat and food for soil organisms, like bacteria, fungi, and earthworms [3]. Unfortunately, land-use conversion to commodity crop farming is increasingly threatening these ecosystems. The intensive tillage most often associated with conventional agriculture practices disrupts soil structure, temperature, and moisture, reduces soil organic matter, and releases stored soil carbon [4].
Regenerative practices like no-till agriculture, reduced agrochemical use, and preserving habitat heterogeneity assist in maximizing grassland soil health and biodiversity. However, after adopting sustainable agricultural practices, it can take years, or even decades, for biological communities to recover [1]. Avoided conversion of grasslands carbon projects prevent grasslands from entering into agricultural production, permanently protecting the soil structure and function, and maintaining habitat for diverse biological communities.
TCTs Impact: Soil Biodiversity and Carbon Projects
By developing high-quality nature-based carbon credits, The Climate Trust supports biodiversity above and below ground. Our carbon projects help protect and enhance the ecological functions of forest and grassland soils, supporting thriving habitats for the organisms that make life above ground possible.
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