Putting carbon into perspective
It is because of the scientific reductionist approach that the carbon story is not fully understood. In taking this approach, something else is always the main issue. It is only when the big picture is discussed, and it is discovered that carbon is a functional component of each of the separate systems, that its importance is realised.
Most rural producers associate carbon with greenhouse gases and the issue of global warming. Few realise that they are actually managing carbon in their day to day operations. It is the exchange of carbon between the atmosphere and a property that is at the heart of a rural producer's economic future, and the long term sustainability of the property. Agriculture involves the recycling of carbon.
Carbon is a commodity that is always moving, which is why it is easy to run short of it. In managing carbon flows, we have to introduce more carbon into the landscape than is returning to the atmosphere, or at least maintain the carbon pool we have, if the landscape is to remain in a healthy condition. Without sufficient carbon in their landscape, farmers have an inefficient production system.
Carbon is the glue that holds everything together. Energy, nutrients, and water all follow carbon. As part of this bigger picture, the protein cycle follows carbon and is a reflection of soil fertility.
The term Carbon Grazing® was coined to promote a better understanding of how the landscape functions and needs to be managed. The term represents the actions that need to be taken.
Given time, all land management practices will be scrutinised for their carbon outcomes. This upcoming debate is not one rural producers need to fear, as in this debate, what is in the interests of society, is also completely in their interest. It is not often that we have win/win situations in political processes.
We do not set out to change current science, but rather to present it from a different and simpler perspective. By starting with carbon, we will put all the current separate issues into perspective, and make it easier to understand how they are connected in the real world.
The purpose of isolating carbon as the main issue is to simplify our response to solving problems, and to ensure that we do not create other problems. Presently we often treat the symptoms, not the cause.
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