The Magic of Soil Carbon — Agriculture’s Most Important Input

What limits yield on your farm? Too much water? Not enough? Low soil nutrient levels? Not enough heat? At least one scientist will tell you it's none of the above — the most limiting factor for crop production in North America is actually soil carbon.

"Our soils are starved for carbon," says Kristine Nichols, a research microbiologist, most recently with the USDA-Agriculture Research Service, but soon to be with the Rodale Institute in Pennsylvania. Nichols presented at the recent World Congress on Conservation Agriculture, held in Winnipeg, Man., in late June.

http://www.realagriculture.com/2014/07/magic-soil-carbon-agricultures-important-input/