From Carbon Neutral to Carbon Positive: A Framework for Sustainable and Economically Viable Agriculture

Mastroeni, Pierfrancesco and Olmastroni, Tommaso and Costa, Lorenzo and Geminiani, Michela and Santucci, Annalisa (2025) From Carbon Neutral to Carbon Positive: A Framework for Sustainable and Economically Viable Agriculture. ECOCYLCLES, 11 (1). pp. 11-18. ISSN 24162140

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Abstract

Human activities have greatly raised global temperatures by producing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, posing several environmental issues. Addressing these difficulties, we propose a scalable methodology for increasing CO2 absorption by reforestation on privately owned agricultural land. This strategy focuses on planting commercially valuable and high carbon-sequestering trees, such as mulberry, fig, olive, linden, almond, and hemp, on a one-hectare area. The design features ten rows of trees with hemp planted between them to maximise land utilisation and revenue creation. Economic predictions indicate a yearly income of € 41.064 per hectare from plant-based goods and € 992,40 from carbon credits, totalling € 42.056,40. The net CO2 absorption per hectare is 16,54 tonnes per year. This approach helps farmers financially while simultaneously helping to minimise climate change by balancing emissions and absorption. Diversifying crops improves resistance to market variations, while hemp boosts soil fertility and rotational crops. This method, which balances environmental and economic stability, demonstrates that sustainable practices may generate revenue. Based on Siena's previous successes in reaching carbon neutrality, this approach provides an effective strategy for achieving positive carbon results that may be applied in a variety of climates and locations. Implementing such initiatives is crucial for sustainable growth, reducing our environmental footprint, and ensuring a resilient future.

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