The Soil Carbon Accrual Project, spearheaded by California State University, Chico, in collaboration with California State University, East Bay, is revolutionizing the way we understand and implement sustainable farming practices. As climate change threatens soil health and water availability, this groundbreaking initiative seeks to enhance food security in the U.S. by treating soil as a vital resource. By contrasting conventional and regenerative farming systems across five sites in California, the project aims to identify practices that effectively draw down carbon and bolster soil resilience.

This holistic research effort employs cutting-edge technology, including eddy covariance towers and greenhouse gas chambers, to measure carbon dioxide, water flux, nitrous oxide, and methane at an ecosystem scale. These tools, combined with satellite remote-sensing data, provide an undisturbed assessment of greenhouse gas exchanges, offering invaluable insights into the impact of land use practices on soil and water quality. The project also emphasizes the role of soil microbes in carbon sequestration, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between plants and soil biology.

Uniquely, the Soil Carbon Accrual Project is not only advancing scientific understanding but also empowering minority students through hands-on research opportunities. By generating real-time data and conducting monthly reviews, the project informs policymakers at local, state, and international levels about the untapped potential of soil carbon accrual. This initiative aims to influence California's agricultural policies, promoting farming practices that align with ecological systems and contribute to climate change mitigation. Through this transformative work, agriculture is poised to play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable future.

Director & Producer: Daniel Henriquez

Line Producer: Quinn Farley

Director of Photography/Sound: Brett Edwards

Editor: Maddee Burt