does agriculture really capture CO2?

To defend its balance sheet on the climate, the majority agricultural union, the FNSEA, highlights the role of CO2 sensor in agriculture. This is particularly the case in a video, through which she wishes to fight against received ideas. If it is true, as mentioned in the said video, that agricultural soils store carbon, beware of the shortcut. This phenomenon is called photosynthesis. Plants absorb CO2 for food. Some of the carbon then remains in the soil in the form of organic matter.

But for there to be a positive effect for the climate, this stock of carbon stored in the soil would have to increase. This would mean that it absorbs more CO2 than it emits. However, it is not the case. Overall, agriculture remains a major emitter of greenhouse gases. The sector represents 19.4% of emissions in France. Conclusion: for the moment, carbon capture does not make it possible to offset greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. But there is potential, whether one is interested in cover crops or agroforestry.