A $3.2 million research project will examine carbon sequestration in perennial forages and pastures

The funding was approved under the federal/provincial Strategic Research Initiative

The project will be jointly undertaken by Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn of the University of Saskatchewan and Dr. Cameron Carlyle of the University of Alberta. Over the next five years, their research teams will examine soil carbons stocks in perennial forage systems across Saskatchewan. They will also investigate the link between producer management practices and carbon stores to identify practices that promote carbon sequestration.

One of the outcomes of the project will be maps providing an accurate estimate of carbon in Saskatchewan’s pasture and rangeland.

The application included 11 letters of support from different industry organizations, which reflects the importance of this work to the provincial agriculture sector. The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association (SCA) also contributed $100,000 to the study.

SCA Chair Arnold Balicki from Shellbrook says the carbon economy must be built on a credible foundation, adding there needs to be a baseline building on hay and grassland. He believes this will help cattle producers credibly participate in any future carbon credit opportunity.