For years, the climate debate focused almost exclusively on the atmosphere. However, a fundamental part of the solution lies literally beneath our feet. Recent studies led by teams from INTA and CONICET show that Argentine soils store an amount of organic carbon of enormous relevance on a global scale.
The most up-to-date estimates indicate that in the first 30 centimeters of soil across the country, approximately 13 billion tons of organic carbon are concentrated, representing nearly 2% of the world’s reserves of carbon in surface soils. This positions Argentina as a key territory in terms of climate change mitigation—not because of futuristic technologies, but due to the management of an existing natural resource.
Soil organic carbon plays a dual strategic role. On the one hand, it acts as a carbon sink, helping remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reducing pressure on the climate system. On the other hand, it is one of the main indicators of soil health and productivity, as it improves structure, water retention, biological activity, and nutrient availability.
Studies also show that this carbon stock is not evenly distributed. Natural grasslands hold the largest share of soil organic carbon, followed by forested and agricultural areas, while regions such as Patagonia, the Chaco, and the Pampas play a central role in the national balance. In some ecosystems, such as the Andean-Patagonian forests, per-hectare values are particularly high.
Having more precise maps and advanced measurement methodologies makes it possible to better understand where these reserves are located and how they can be conserved or degraded depending on land-use and management decisions. In a context of climate change, biodiversity loss, and productive pressures, protecting soil carbon is not only an environmental strategy but also a condition for the resilience of agroproductive systems.
Recognizing the value of soil organic carbon requires broadening the climate perspective: it is not only about reducing emissions, but also about preventing the loss of existing carbon stocks and strengthening the ecosystem services that sustain production and long-term well-being.