Terrafarmer is working with Imerys–one of the largest landowners in Cornwall–to measure quantities of carbon sequestered in their soils
As one of the largest landowners in Cornwall, Imerys Ltd. is keen to understand how much carbon they have sequestered around their estate on various types of land use and habitats. For the Terrafarmer team, this is a particularly exciting opportunity to understand the timescale and sequestration potential of different plants from a point of absolute zero.
Heather at Imerys, Cornwall
Understand carbon footprint
Since the 1980s, Imerys has sought to reduce the visual impact of the famous white spoil heaps around its china clay mining operations in mid-Cornwall. To this end, they embarked on a campaign of hydro-seeding and habitat creation to turn the spoil heaps ‘green’ and create a mosaic of habitats throughout the estate. Like many industries across the world, the company is keen to understand its full carbon footprint, so it makes sense for them to investigate the carbon that has been stored in the soil over the past 40 years.
China clay, looking across to spoil heaps in the distance
This also presents a unique opportunity to investigate how much carbon can be sequestered into a soil from a point of absolute zero and to understand the rate at which carbon can be sequestered over time. It will also give an insight into how plants can ‘heal’ a damaged environment over time and the impact of different species.
Providing support
As part of the project, we will also be looking at returning some of these spoil heaps to agricultural production, providing agronomic support to establish diverse, herbal, and wildflower meadows that can be grazed or used to produce hay in the fullness of time.
We are really looking forward to working with Imerys on what promises to be a unique and exciting project.
About the author
After gaining an HND in Agriculture, Tom Tolputt went on to work as an Area Manager and Farm Animal Nutritionist for Agri-King for seven years. Setting out his stall as an independent consultant, he began advising a range of organic and conventional farm businesses across the UK. He also runs the family farm, raising organic beef cattle and organic cereals at Lesquite Organics with his wife, Nic, near Looe in Cornwall.
About the author
After gaining an HND in Agriculture, Tom Tolputt went on to work as an Area Manager and Farm Animal Nutritionist for Agri-King for seven years. Setting out his stall as an independent consultant, he began advising a range of organic and conventional farm businesses across the UK. He also runs the family farm, raising organic beef cattle and organic cereals at Lesquite Organics with his wife, Nic, near Looe in Cornwall.
