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Soil Carbon: Policy and Economics

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Abstract

Agricultural soils provide a prospective way of mitigating the increasing atmospheric concentration of CO2. A number of agricultural practices are known to stimulate the accumulation of additional soil carbon and early indications are that some might sequester carbon at relatively modest costs with generally positive environmental effects. We discuss, under 10 themes, policy and economic issues that will determine whether programs for sequestration of carbon in agricultural soils can succeed. The issues involve contexts for implementation, economics, private property rights, agricultural policy, and institutional and social structures. Ultimately, success will depend on the incentive structure developed and the way in which carbon sequestration is integrated into the total fabric of agricultural policy.

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Marland, G., McCarl, B.A. & Schneider, U. Soil Carbon: Policy and Economics. Climatic Change 51, 101–117 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1017575018866

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