ASA supports carbon sequestration research—such as the CASMGS initiative—and related efforts to maximize the corollary benefits of conservation practices that store carbon and other nutrients in soil.

In recent years, there has been a movement towards supporting agriculture through conservation instead of direct payments. In the short term, one of the most profitable potential opportunities for agriculture may lie in receiving compensation—whether through federal programs or the private sector—for activities that sequester carbon.

The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Agriculture Research Service (ARS) are already investigating how soil conservation practices increase soil carbon storage. They are also developing field-level computer models to estimate the amount of carbon stored by individual production systems, which would make it easier for producers to participate in a program for crediting carbon. In addition, NRCS and ARS are researching ways to maximize the secondary environmental benefits of carbon sequestration activities, as well as assessing the economic feasibility of sequestration.

NRCS and ARS are also collaborating with universities and other institutions on carbon sequestration research. The largest such initiative in the nation is led by CASMGS, which is a consortium of scientists from nine land grant universities and one national laboratory conducting comprehensive carbon cycle research. Its goal is to develop the tools and information needed to successfully implement soil carbon sequestration to improve environmental health and provide income and incentives to farmers.

Scientists at Iowa State University, the University of Nebraska, Ohio State University, and Kansas State University are working on sequestration projects under CASMGS that specifically involve soybeans. CASMGS researchers are collaborating with scientists in other countries through various bilateral agreements to develop internationally- accepted standards for reporting sequestration activities.

CASMGS received an initial $15 million from USDA and $335,000 from EPA in FY01 and FY02 to conduct its research. CASMGS was authorized in the Farm Bill to receive an additional $10 million for five years to continue its efforts and address key policy objectives.