The determination of organic carbon in olive groves and, based on the obtained results, the analysis of their carbon sequestration capacity is key to improving sustainability and enhancing agricultural practices in the sector.
In this context, the C-Olivar project has taken a crucial step towards its goal of determining the ability of olive grove soils to capture carbon. Following the sampling carried out by researchers from the University of Jaén’s Institute of Olive and Olive Oil Research (INUO) in selected farm within at “Denominación de Origen de Estepa”, located at Seville, the soil samples have been analyzed in the INUO laboratories. As explained by Pablo Domouso de Algar, research technician, the samples are pre-processed by air-drying and sieving them to separate different fractions (gravel and particles <2mm). Once dried and sieved, organic carbon is determined using the colorimetric oxidation technique with potassium dichromate (Sims & Haby, 1971).
After analyzing the results, researchers have calculated the organic carbon stock of the sampled plots and are now in the phase of determining the role of these farm as carbon sinks.
The C-Olivar Project aims to develop methodologies and practical tools to support decision-making in the olive grove sector. Among its key expected outcomes are the development of a methodological guide for calculating carbon credits in olive groves, the creation of a digital tool for technicians and farmers to assist in planning and optimizing sustainable agricultural practices, the production of outreach materials to promote the implementation of management techniques focused on increasing organic carbon levels in soils, and the establishment of a voluntary carbon credit market. This initiative will enable olive growers to benefit from selling these credits while promoting more sustainable agriculture.
With these advances, the C-Olivar Project continues to establish itself as a benchmark in carbon sequestration research in olive groves, contributing to the development of more sustainable agriculture aligned with future environmental challenges.
Source: C-Olivar (05/02/2025)
