The article discusses climate change mitigation strategies within agricultural practices, specifically focusing on the change of crops on nutrient-rich organic soils. The LIFE OrgBalt project aims to assess whether switching crops, such as converting croplands to grasslands or introducing legumes into crop rotations, can improve soil quality and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Through demonstration sites in Latvia, the project tests these scenarios to evaluate their environmental benefits, such as increased carbon storage, reduced nutrient leaching, and enhanced soil fertility. The findings are intended to inform sustainable land management practices that balance productivity with climate change mitigation.
Furthermore, the article highlights the socio-economic advantages of these practices, including maintaining agricultural productivity and providing ecosystem services. The LIFE OrgBalt project also develops models to help researchers, landowners, and policymakers understand the trade-offs involved in managing organic soils for both productivity and environmental sustainability. The ultimate goal is to achieve a balance that optimizes carbon storage, soil health, and long-term agricultural viability in the face of climate change.