Why Soil Carbon is Important
Soil carbon – we talk about it a lot at Canopy Lawn Care. So, what is it, how does it get there and why is it so important? Below are concise answers that will help you explain the benefits to your clients.
What is soil carbon? – soil carbon refers to the carbon stored in the soil, primarily as soil organic matter. This organic matter consists of animal materials, microorganisms, decomposed plant matter, and associated byproducts. All these materials are carbon-based, meaning they naturally break down into their basic form, carbon. Soil carbon exists in many forms – from freshly deposited plant material to humus. Soil carbon provides an energy source for soil microorganisms, improves soil structure, and regulates the availability of organically bound nutrients.
How does it get there? – soil carbon is captured in many ways, with the act of photosynthesis being the primary function. Photosynthesis is the metabolic process where the plant captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converts it to organic carbon, which the plant uses as a food source (as carbohydrates) and building blocks for growth. It’s also added by the decomposition of organic plant and animal matter by soil microorganisms like fungi and bacteria. These soil microorganisms further decompose organic matter and release some carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, while the majority is retained as soil carbon. We refer to the soil as a sink, because of its ability to capture and store more carbon than it releases to the atmosphere.
Why is it so important? – soil carbon is a crucial component in climate regulation, overall soil health and fertility, and soil biodiversity. Believe it or not, soil is the second largest carbon sink behind the oceans. This allows for an abundance of atmospheric carbon dioxide to be stored in the soil, thus reducing its totals in the atmosphere and reducing greenhouse gases. Soils rich in organic carbon improve water retention and improve soil structure. It also increases plant nutrient availability and fertility, through increased nutrient cycling provided by the beneficial bacteria and fungi. Lastly, soil carbon supports a diverse population of soil organisms. These organisms are responsible for maintaining the healthy balance in the soil microbiome, which leads to a healthier lawn and allows us to apply significantly fewer synthetic herbicides and fertilizers – the way Mother Nature intended.
All that sounds awesome. So what?
How Canopy Lawn Care is helping – our HealthyLawn Program applies active carbon sources with every application. Active carbon is the engine of the entire process; it breaks down quickly, is the primary energy source for the soil microorganisms, which drives nutrient cycling and increases soil respiration. We’re applying active carbon with every liquid and granular application. Materials like corn gluten and coffee grounds, not only provide an organic carbon source, but also organic nitrogen which is essential to not only feed the plant but more importantly feed the beneficial soil bacteria and fungi. These beneficial soil bugs significantly increase the nutrient cycling and availability of elements already in the soil. As these materials break down, they contribute to the soil carbon sink. These materials, along with amino acids and sea kelp, are responsible for increased plant health, decreased pest pressure, and increased water retention and utilization. Solely applying compost, amino acids, and humic acids does not drive this level of soil microbial activity!
What this means for your customers – from the first application, we’ve been providing the necessary materials to get your homeowner’s lawns conditioned and healthy. As you see, the use rates of your liquids in the spring and fall are higher than in the middle of the season. This is to ensure enough active carbon is being given to the plant when it’s most critical. In the fall, we’re driving roots and carbohydrate reserves. In the spring, we want to maintain those reserves. This ensures your properties start the season on the right foot.
We can and want to do more for your customers – We are the thought leader in this industry. No one is doing what we do. Additional services are a key driver of your business, and the winter/off-season is prime time. Instead of chasing a spreader and applying lime, you apply a bulk soil carbon-building product. The product we use is called Carbon +. On top of the benefits already listed, a bulk application of Carbon + also provides the lawn with a complete N-P-K package, which will provide a bit of greening in the “off-season” and a controlled nitrogen source that will release when the soil temperatures warm, yet another way you’re ahead of your competition. For quick reference, in the annual program, we apply 0.72# of Carbon. In this additional bulk application recommendation, you would apply 1.50# of Carbon. More than doubling the amount.
