A framework for integrating the terrestrial carbon stock of estates in institutional carbon management plans

Many institutions have substantial landholdings, but few consider soil carbon preservation and augmentation in their management plans. A methodical framework was developed to analyse terrestrial stocks (soil tree biomass) for credible offsetting strategies institutional land. This approach demonstrated at two farms (805 hectares) managed by Newcastle University. Soil three depths (0–30 cm, 30–60 cm 60–90 cm) above-ground biomass were quantified. These data provided a baseline evaluate future land options effects. Historical land-use records enabled the following comparisons: (1) agricultural vs. woodland; (2) arable permanent grassland; (3) organic conventional farming; (4) coniferous broadleaved (5) recent long-established woodland. Carbon storage (kg/m2) varied with usage woodland type age, only woodland, agriculture, grassland, significantly affected 0–90 carbon. At university-managed farms, current 103,620 tonnes total (98,050 from 5,569 biomass). equivalent sixteen years of emissions University (6,406 CO2 equivalents-C per year). Using alternative management, could over 40 offset up 3,221 year, or 50% its rate. The methodological this study will enable having large landholdings rationally estates schemes.