The thematic knowledge exchange event “Forage production and carbon farming in the climate change” was organized by the ClimateSmartAdvisors project, in cooperation with the ClimateFarmDemo project on the 6th of February 2025.
The webinar consisted of two main sections, in the first half the discussion focused on Carbon Faming in Central Europe, in relation with forage productions with examples from Austria and Hungary, covering both agrotechnical practices and business models, while in the second half, experiences of carbon farming techniques for forage production in Italy and its impact on climate change was presented. The event was hosted by Alessandro Zatta from CRPA and Laszlo Gabor Papocsi from OMKi organizations. The theme was elaborated primarily from the point of view of farmers and advisors. The aim of the KE was to widen the CSA network of practitioners, representing main AKIS stakeholder types, including advisors, farmers, researcher, and the private sector; to involve participants and speakers out from the CSA internal partnership; to enhance possibility of interaction, cross fertilization; and to highlight opportunities and potential benefits for farm advisors. The event was delivered in a traditional online fashion, with presentations, chat and live QA section.
The webinar featured presentations from various experts:
- László Gábor Papócsi, ÖMKi – Summary of CF in Central Europe
- Christoph Reithofer, Bio Forschung Austria – Potential CF cooperation model related to forage production
- János Nagy, MATE University, partner in a CF programme in Hungary – Regenerative methods in forage production
- Ambrus Michels, Talajreform – Liquid carbon pathway
- Judit Berényi Üveges, ÖMKi – introduction to ÖMKi’s relevant research activities
- Arianna Pignagnoli, Alessandro Zatta, CRPA Italy – Environmental impact of carbon farming on forage production
At start, László Papócsi, who led the discussion, provided an overview of the agenda. He outlined the structure of the webinar and introduced the “Boosting Carbon Farming in Central Europe” project, emphasizing its collaborative nature involving advisors, farmers, and researchers. He explained the project’s objectives, which include conducting agrotechnical experiments and testing business models for carbon farming. He outlined different carbon sequestration techniques being tested and discussed the challenges and motivations for farmers to participate in such programs. The project aims to identify effective cooperation models, including farmer-led initiatives and government-led eco-schemes.
The second speaker, Christoph Reithofer shared insights on forage production and carbon farming, presenting a cooperation model, aligned with the European Union’s result-based business models. He explained the humus balance evaluation method for carbon sequestration, which categorizes Austrian soils and assesses the impact of different crops. Reithofer noted that perennial forage crops contribute positively to carbon balance, while also discussing the benefits of relocating clover grass biomass for enhanced carbon sequestration.
The second speaker, Christoph Reithofer shared insights on forage production and carbon farming, presenting a cooperation model, aligned with the European Union’s result-based business models. He explained the humus balance evaluation method for carbon sequestration, which categorizes Austrian soils and assesses the impact of different crops. Reithofer noted that perennial forage crops contribute positively to carbon balance, while also discussing the benefits of relocating clover grass biomass for enhanced carbon sequestration.
Ambrus Michels contributed by addressing misconceptions about soil regeneration, advocating for living roots and diverse cover crops as effective means for enhancing soil health. He discussed the critical role of living roots in enhancing soil organic matter and microbial activity, stating that they produce liquid sugars that feed both the plant and soil microbiology. He referenced research indicating that carbon formation through the liquid carbon pathway is significantly higher than through mulching, with diverse cover crops being essential for optimal soil health. Ambrus Michels also provided further details on the Black Soil program.
Judit Berényi Üveges followed by discussing ÖMKI’s research, focusing on regenerative agriculture practices, including cover cropping and the integration of livestock. She also mentioned the challenges of organic soybean production and the importance of alternative crops in adapting to climate change.
Alessandro Zatta opened the second session, introducing Arianna Pignagnoli, who presented on carbon farming practices in Italy. She outlined the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns, particularly in the Mediterranean region. She emphasized the need for mitigation and adaptation strategies in forage production, such as reduced tillage and crop rotation, and emphasized the importance of maintaining permanent grassland for soil health. The results from the Coal Ferrage for Climate project indicated that best practices could lead to increased soil carbon levels and a reduced carbon footprint across various forage systems. The session highlighted the ongoing connection of these programs to demo farms in Italy, encouraging further engagement from participants. Arianna Pignagnoli presented techniques for sustainable grassland management, emphasizing the efficient use of manure and slurry to enhance forage production while mitigating climate change. She illustrated the relationship between livestock production and carbon sequestration, noting that practices such as crop rotation and reduced chemical fertilizer use can improve soil health.
Resources such as slides and videos are made available online for further reference on CSA and ÖMKi websites.
