The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has presented the first positive findings of a large-scale project aimed at monitoring soil organic carbon (SOC) and assessing how climate-friendly farming practices improve soil quality and contribute to climate change mitigation.
During an event organised by the CAP Network for World Soil Day, researchers shared the initial results of this ambitious programme, part of Spain’s Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (2023–2027). The project analyses 16,000 plots across the country and will collect 128,000 samples every two years, making it the most extensive study of its kind ever carried out in Spain and a pioneering initiative in Europe.
Preliminary data show that practices linked to eco-schemes and agroecology are increasing carbon sequestration in agricultural soils, strengthening fertility and improving resilience to climate impacts. These findings provide essential scientific evidence to guide future agricultural policies.
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Healthy soil
The project is the result of coordinated work between the Survey on Crop Areas and Yields (ESYRCE) team, the INIA-CSIC research institute, over 300 field technicians, and the farmers and livestock keepers who participated in sample collection and plot monitoring.
The ministry invests €2.5 million annually in field data gathering, agricultural statistics, and studies that support evidence-based decision-making and provide useful information to the sector. It was also highlighted that more than 95% of food production depends directly on soil, a limited resource already showing signs of degradation in 41% of Spain’s territory.
Eco-schemes and carbon farming: broad adoption across the country
In 2023, 75% of farmers implemented eco-schemes on more than 19 million hectares. In 2024, participation remained high at 77%, with 22.2 million hectares declared. Key practices include conservation agriculture, direct seeding, cover crops and extensive grazing.
Speakers also stressed the importance of preventing increases in nitrogen oxide emissions that may result from poor fertilisation practices or machinery use. To address this, Spain is promoting sustainable nutrient management rules, digital farm record books and the adoption of organic and bio-fertilisers—tools that support “living soils” through science-based management.
It was also recalled that the Government is developing a State Pact on Climate Emergency, recognising farmers, livestock keepers and fishers as key actors in sustainable land management. Priority areas include conservation agriculture, sustainable irrigation, genomic techniques, extensive livestock farming and agricultural insurance.