GIS based minimisation of soil carbon loss during cultivation

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In England, approximately 8 million hectares of land is cultivated annually, and with every cultivation carbon loss in soil accelerates at an average rate of 0.6% per year, with some soils losing up to 20% of its carbon within said year.Soil strength (carbon content) at the time of cultivation is directly related to soil texture and soil moisture. We plan to use satellite technologies to record soil carbon loss over time and combine that with ground truth data including cultivations, soil texture and climatic data. The objective is to validate that cultivating at optimum soil moisture levels leads to a predictable reduction in soil carbon loss.Our project will develop a timing forecast API and smartphone app for farmers to drive reduced carbon emissions from soils following cultivation. We will work with soil experts at Harper Adams University, the farming industry and other stakeholders to develop a solution that significantly reduce agriculture's carbon footprint while concurrently minimising impacts of cultivation on soil health through minimising carbon loss, all whilst maximising soil organic matter retention.Our project budget is £441,919 and duration will be 18 months.