Dr Brian Murphy, of the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, explores how we can make best use of existing science and knowledge. Brian is Australia's "Lal" and the soil carbon movement owes its rapid progress to his discipline, direction and encouragement.

1. How do we estimate soil carbon levels? Making best use of existing science and knowledge Brian Murphy Cowra November 2008

3. Gaunaut report “ A comprehensive mitigation strategy will also require government intervention to promote abatement activity in sectors not covered by the emissions trading scheme. ……………………………………………………………….. The most significant opportunities may be in the area of improved carbon sequestration through better management of soil carbon.” Measurement / estimate of soil carbon levels is required for this to become effective

5. On one paddock going from traditional tillage to long term pasture carbon % for 0 to 10 cm went from 1.20% to 1.92% over 15 years (10 cm), about 600 mm rainfall

7. Soil surface 10 cm depth Wheat root Bulk density, mass of soil solids per unit volume Soil pores can be filled by air or water

8. Soil surface Soil pores can be filled by air or water Bulk density, mass of soil solids per unit volume 10 cm depth Wild oats seed root

19. 650 mm rainfall, red earths

20. Rainfall 450 to 550 mm, red earths, Bimble Box

21. Caution – likely to be soil type and climate specific!!!

36. On one paddock going from traditional tillage to long term pasture carbon % went from 1.20% to 1.92% over 15 years (10 cm)