Natural carbon sinks
Sequestring CO₂, fixing carbon, creating ecosystems – quickly, measurably and permanently
Given the time pressure posed by the climate crisis, we have developed effective methods to permanently sequester as much carbon as possible in soils as quickly as possible, on a decentralised basis. Our approaches focus on broad applicability across land use sectors, aiming to achieve a large-scale impact using existing technology.
Land-use measures to date have concentrated predominantly on emission mitigation or humus-building measures with medium-term effects. This leaves a systemic gap: there is a lack of practical methods that convert large quantities of organic biomass into soil zones in such a way that the carbon remains stably stored for decades to centuries.
Our new approaches to carbon storage through biomass in agricultural soils (DaKoBi) close precisely this gap. They combine the scalability of established agricultural technology with the targeted incorporation of biomass into deeper soil layers below the regular tillage horizon.
In particular, deep ploughing of silage and the creation of biomass strips are carbon farming approaches in which biogenic carbon is specifically incorporated into soil layers below the normal tillage horizon. The aim is to achieve potentially long-term stabilisation of organic matter in the subsoil. The methodological foundations, system boundaries and assumptions regarding carbon stabilisation are documented in the published open-access methodology paper (preprint, DOI). Check out our Infoposter. Pilot projects are planned for the period 2026–2029 to enable empirical testing and practical implementation. These are intended to provide robust baseline data for potential MRV implementation and future certification approaches. You can express your interest in cooperation and project participation here.
Deep ploughing of silage
means storing large quantities of carbon as biomass below the tillage layer. The growth from extensive – i.e. late-mown – meadows is unsuitable both as animal feed and for biogas production; at the same time, more and more grassland is being converted to extensive management through agri-environmental schemes (necessary for biodiversity).
To close the cycle and return nutrients and humus from grassland back to the arable land, we bury silage > 0.3 m deep through deep ploughing. This not only creates permanent carbon stores, but also living buffers of humus that bind nutrients and clay minerals, continue to grow steadily, and protect both soil fertility and groundwater in equal measure.
Biomass seams
involve burying landscape management material deep in the ground (>2.5 m) and covering it with excavated soil. With air largely excluded, the carbon is geologically preserved. The amount of material stored depends on the specific soil conditions at the site, in order to prevent nitrogen leaching.
Land use is generating increasing amounts of landscape management material that was previously unusable, e.g. vegetation from wet meadows (resulting from rewetting). Once covered, the deposits can be enhanced above ground with further climate measures; planting with pioneer woody plants is ideal
-> see softwoods.
Softwoods as game-changers in climate change
Softwood species such as small-leaved lime, willows and, in particular, aspen have an extremely wide ecological range, growing from the Mediterranean to the Arctic. Due to their rapid growth and easily decomposable foliage, they produce significantly more raw humus than other woody plants; this humus also has a high base content and is therefore largely preserved as permanent humus. Softwood species regenerate from their roots and do not need to be replanted after use or decay.
We establish softwood plantations on devastated, humus-free soils and document carbon sequestration as well as the ecological impacts.
Planting trees and shrubs using pomace
Hedges, field copses and afforestation can be established quickly and cost-effectively by sowing fruit pomace (residue from cider pressing). Each seedling is a new genetic combination and is therefore adapted to its specific location. Apple, pear, cherry and plum belong to the rose family and are ecologically very valuable as a habitat for insects and vertebrates. Due to their relatively small crown volume, they evaporate less water than other tree species and are therefore suitable for planting in open countryside.
We have been cultivating pomace sowings on both a small and large scale for more than 20 years.
Principles:
- Quick results rather than empty promises: our methods can be implemented immediately, are measurable and deliver lasting results.
- Scientific oversight ensures that effectiveness and quality are documented.
Kontakt
Tobias Till Keye
Climate Department
keye@ausgleich.org
+49 (0) 151 6565 0798