Cattle and Carbon Series

The Cattle and Carbon Series by Dr. Alan Franzluebbers of the USDA-Agricultural Research Service explores the vital relationship between pasture-based cattle production and soil carbon in the Carolinas. Through twelve installments, the series explains how carbon cycles through plants, animals, and soil—forming the foundation of life and soil health—and examines how management practices affect soil carbon storage. Drawing from extensive soil sampling across North Carolina, the series reveals that well-managed grasslands can significantly enhance soil organic matter, water retention, and ecosystem resilience. It also addresses the role of carbon markets and the stewardship responsibilities of farmers in maintaining healthy, carbon-rich soils. Overall, Cattle and Carbon illustrates how sustainable livestock systems contribute to climate mitigation, productive pastures, and environmental balance.

You can view the full publication at the link below:

Download Full Cattle and Carbon Series

1. Introduction and Basics
2. Storage of Soil Carbon in the Carolinas
3. Soil Carbon Calculations
4. Soil Organic Carbon on North Carolina Farms
5. Soil Carbon Distinguished from Pedogenesis and Management
6. Land Use and Forage Management Impacts on Soil Carbon
7. The Intertwining of Carbon and Nitrogen
8. Biologically Active Soil Carbon
9. Soil Organic Matter Associates with Physical Properties
10. Soil Organic Matter Associates with Some Chemical Properties
11. What could a Carbon Market Look Like?
12. Summarizing and Sealing this Series

What’s the big deal about diversity?

What are the benefits and challenges of maintaining pasture diversity?

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What’s the big deal about diversity?

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Capturing More Water on Every Acre

“As graziers, there are many factors that influence the success of our operations we cannot control (weather, markets, government policy, etc.). I often remember my grandmother saying “well you can’t control the weather” as she reflected on current weather events. She is correct in that we cannot control the amount of water falling from the sky. However, with good grazing management, we can ensure that more of this moisture enters our soil and is retained for plant growth.” Johnny R. Rogers, Amazing Grazing Program Coordinator, describes the strategies he uses to capture water in pastures in one of the driest areas east of the Mississippi River.

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Capturing More Water on Every Acre

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Soil-Test Biological Activity

Nitrogen (N) is considered the most limiting nutrient for grass pastures. Without sufficient N, yield potential suffers. However, too much N can unnecessarily raise costs and reduce profit, as well as become a pollutant to the environment. At either extreme, farmers lose economic opportunities.

You can view the publication at the link below:

Soil-Test Biological Activity: Nitrogen and Stockpiled Fescue

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On-Farm Research Report

Several on-farm research projects were conducted over the past decade on Beaver Creek Farm. Results of soil organic carbon analyses are described based on different spatial distributions, forage cultivation, and fall-stockpiled fescue. You can view the publication at the link below:

Soil Carbon Analyses from Beaver Creek Farm, Surry County NC

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Outdoor Hog Production: Best Practices for Resource Conservation in the San Francisco Bay Area (2015)

A series of factsheets intended to support outdoor pork producers, resource managers and agricultural professionals in implementing resource conservation best management practices.

These factsheets were produced as part of a California USDA-CIG grant.

Download PDF (Part I)
Download PDF (Part II)
Download PDF (Part III)