Carbon is the Goldilocks of the natural world. Too much carbon in the air and the planet's temperature rises. But move that carbon to the soil and capitalize on it for bigger harvests and long term soil health? That's just right.

The process of transferring carbon from the air back to the ground is called soil carbon sequestration, and scientists say it could offset as much as 15 percent of global fossil fuel emissions every year.

Carbon sequestration has been around for a while, mostly by injecting carbon into rock formations deep underground. But soil carbon sequestration is a relatively new phenomenon, gaining traction only in the past few years.

Typically, decomposed organic matter is the best way to put carbon back into soil, but harvesting crops removes that carbon and redirects it to our plates and stomachs. One could draw the conclusion that the larger the operation, the larger the harvest and the larger the amount of carbon removed from the soil.

The growing human population begs the question -- Is it possible to increase soil carbon sequestration and increase harvest size to keep up with global demand?

A surprising report published in January by scientist Jonathan Sanderman shows it is possible, by breeding plants with large root systems that keep carbon in the agricultural cycle.

Sanderman's research also shows that the larger the agricultural operation, the larger the soil carbon stocks.

"You can have your soil carbon and eat it, too," Sanderman said to Grist.Â

Sanderman found that carbon wasn't staying in the ground; rather, it was getting chewed up by microbes and floating into the air again, making it available for more plants to absorb it back into the soil.

Sanderman calls for farmers to "increase their carbon budget" by growing more stuff, which would lead to more carbon absorbed into the soil.

Methods of soil carbon sequestration include soil restoration and woodland regeneration, cover crops, nutrient management, manuring and sludge application, improved grazing, water conservation and harvesting, efficient irrigation, agroforestry practices, and growing energy crops on spare lands.

All these methods are expensive for farmers to implement. Companies like Unilever and ADM, and other groups that are working to help farmers implement soil carbon sequestration methods, could make these practices more affordable.

Read More:

• A crucial climate mystery is just under our feet (Grist)
• The Search Is on for Pulling Carbon From the Air (Scientific American)