Project evaluates levels of carbon accumulation in productive areas of the Cerrado of Bahia

Rural producers in Bahia are working to collect soil samples to determine levels of carbon accumulation in productive areas. The action carried out by the Bahian Association of Cotton Producers (Abapa), together with the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), with the support of the Fund for the Development of Cotton Agribusiness (Fundeagro), began last month, and has already includes 15 properties with different production systems. 

Entitled “Diagnosis of carbon stock in soils in the Cerrado of Bahia under cotton and grain production systems”, the project is in the collection and soil sampling phase on rural properties. Technicians from the Abapa Phytosanitary Program are part of the collection network in areas located in ten agricultural centers, and so far samples from the farms in the centers have been sent for analysis: Rio das Pedras, Ouro Verde and Estrondo, Nova América, Roda Velha , Roda Velha de Baixo, Roda Estrada do Café and Anel da Soja.

According to Embrapa researcher, Fabiano Perina, this research is the basis for future certifications, in accordance with the trend towards sustainable production of cotton and fibers in Western Bahia. “It is expected that with the analyzes and reports ready, producers will have sufficient information to support decision-making about which production system and soil preparation are potentially best to promote the accumulation of carbon in the soil, ensuring that cotton Bahia remains in the classification in Low Carbon Agriculture”.

For the manager of Fazenda Bela Vista, Fernando Caetano, Abapa's initiative contributes to spreading good practices in cotton cultivation. “This action, which involves scientific work and studies, only makes valid the good practices that have been applied in the field. We work every day to achieve good productivity that goes hand in hand with sustainability. This research goes in this direction, to generate data for greater sustainable development in crops, and promote good practices in crops in the region”, he states.

Luiz Carlos Bergamaschi, president of Abapa, highlights that the project is yet another action that prioritizes sustainability, not only of the business, but of the environment as a whole. “Producers are adopting good practices in their daily lives, ensuring the longevity and balance of the production system, in addition to consciously conserving and making correct use of water and soil. More than just complying with market demands, these practices are, in fact, incorporated into the farms’ routine as gains in production and the environment”, he highlights.

After the collection stage, by the Phytosanitary Program team, the samples will be sent to Embrapa Agricultural Instrumentation, where they will be analyzed to determine the carbon content in the soil. These analyzes use innovative methods, CHN and LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy), internationally recognized by certification bodies such as Verra.