Russia: Scientists at Kazan State Agrarian University have identified varieties of grain crops with minimal carbon footprints

As part of a study conducted by scientists from the Kazan State Agrarian University (Kazan SAU), varieties of spring grain crops were identified that have the smallest carbon footprint and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. The work is part of an innovative approach known as carbon farming, which aims to increase soil carbon stocks through optimized agricultural practices. As Radik Safin, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of General Agriculture, Plant Protection and Breeding of Kazan State Agrarian University, told the National Agrarian Agency, “Our research, conducted within the framework of a grant from the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, showed that only 3 varieties of spring wheat out of 19 (Idelle , Tulaikovskaya Nadezhda and Zlata) and 1 of the 14 barley varieties had a positive balance of greenhouse gas accumulation in the soil. This means that these varieties act as “carbon sinks,” helping to reduce ...