Climate mitigation is one of the most significant challenges facing agricultural systems, while farmers are among the first to experience its effects. Organic farming systems are well placed to contribute to climate mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions while supporting improvements in biodiversity, water quality and soil health. However, the increase in unpredictable and extreme weather events highlights the need for all farmers to adopt climate farming practices which improve their resilience whilst further reducing their impact on the environment. This article outlines three of these potential practices: agroforestry, multi-species swards and composting.

Agroforestry

Agroforestry can be defined as practices which combine trees with crops (silvo-arable) and/or grassland (silvo-pasture) on the same area of land. These systems offer multiple climate benefits. For example, trees provide shade and shelter which can reduce heat stress in livestock while also reducing evapotranspiration in periods of drought and contribute to improved soil moisture retention and infiltration. Trees also act as fodder sources, carbon sinks and can reduce ammonia emissions while enhancing overall biodiversity.

Multispecies swards

Multispecies swards are improved grassland mixtures composed of grasses, legumes herb species selected for their complementary and beneficial traits. Legumes such as red and white clover fix atmospheric nitrogen and are of high nutritional value, supporting increased feed intake by livestock. Herb species like chicory and plantain are often included due to their high yield potential, deep rooting systems and ability to enhance the mineral content of pasture. When combined, these species can contribute to reduced nitrous oxide emissions, improved drought tolerance and support greater biodiversity compared to grass only swards.

Composting

In organic farming systems, composting can play an important role in nutrient management and climate change mitigation. Compost is produced through the controlled aerobic decomposition of organic materials such as animal manures, crop residues and green waste resulting in a nutrient rich soil amendment. Compared to raw manure storage, composting can reduce the emissions of methane and nitrous emissions.