Short Wave Farming Releases Carbon From The Earth's Soil Into The Air. Can We Put It Back?
Aug 18, 2020
Dan Charles, NPR's food and agriculture correspondent, dives into the world of regenerative agriculture, a revolutionary approach to farming that's gaining traction. He discusses how traditional farming damages soil and releases carbon dioxide, while regenerative practices aim to restore soil health and sequester carbon back into the earth. Charles highlights the visionary work of Rattan Lal, a pioneering scientist in this movement, and underscores the potential impact of these practices on climate change and food security.
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Rattan Lal's Soil Challenge
- Rattan Lal, a young scientist in Nigeria, was tasked with improving food production.
- The soil quickly degraded after clearing forest, turning hard and infertile.
Soil Degradation and Climate Change
- The disappearing topsoil transformed into carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.
- This process contributes significantly to global warming, alongside farming emissions.
Lal's Motivation and Turning Point
- Rattan Lal's drive stemmed from his childhood fear of losing his scholarship.
- A question from climate scientist Roger Revelle about putting carbon back into the soil changed Lal's life.