Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #197

A. Carbon farming, also known as regenerative agriculture, is a holistic approach to farming that focuses on sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide in the soil and in plant biomass. The core idea is to manage land in a way that enhances the natural process of photosynthesis, where plants draw carbon from the air to build their tissues. By improving soil health, carbon farming not only helps to mitigate climate change but also creates more resilient and productive agricultural systems.

B. The practices involved in carbon farming are designed to increase the amount of organic matter in the soil. This includes minimising soil disturbance through no-till or low-till farming, which prevents the release of stored carbon. Planting cover crops during the off-season keeps the soil covered and continuously sequesters carbon while preventing erosion. Crop rotation and integrating a diversity of plants helps to build a healthier soil ecosystem.

C. Another key component is managed grazing, where livestock are moved frequently to mimic the patterns of wild herbivores. This prevents overgrazing, and the animals'' manure and trampling action help to incorporate organic matter into the soil. Agroforestry, the practice of integrating trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming systems, is another powerful way to sequester carbon both above ground in the woody biomass and below ground in the soil.

D. The benefits of carbon farming extend beyond climate mitigation. Healthier soils with more organic matter are better at retaining water, making farms more resilient to drought. They also require fewer chemical inputs like fertilisers, which reduces costs for farmers and prevents nutrient pollution. While measuring and verifying the exact amount of carbon sequestered can be complex, carbon farming offers a powerful, nature-based solution that can help to address the climate crisis while simultaneously regenerating our agricultural landscapes and improving food security.