Evaluation of the carbon balance in different farming systems (organic and conventional) from a LTE in Tuscany, Italy

The objective of this study is to define a methodology for assessing, by using a simple calculation of indicators, the carbon balance in terms of emissions and carbon sequestration in agriculture. These parameters were tested in a long-term experiment conducted in the Montepaldi farm of the University of Florence, where since 1991 two different farming systems (organic and conventional) are compared. The period taken as a reference to monitor the emissions and carbon sequestration is 2004-2008. From the data obtained and after the discussion of the results emerges a minor involvement of organic farming systems in the emission of greenhouse gases and their possible role as a buffer systems for the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere.