Soil is a major carbon sink, absorbing huge amounts of the element as part of Earth’s natural carbon cycle. The carbon in soil takes both organic forms, such as decomposed plant and animal matter, and inorganic forms, such as carbon locked inside minerals. 

Organic soil carbon improves the fertility of the land, but many common farming practices reduce the amount of organic soil carbon, meaning that careful management is required to achieve the best crop production outcomes. Activities that release carbon dioxide from the soil also contribute to higher percentages of the heat-trapping gas in the atmosphere. 

NASA’s Earth satellites collect vast amounts of data about the planet’s carbon cycle and soil characteristics, including soil carbon measurements. These data products help researchers understand the complexities of soil carbon management, including in the areas of ecosystem health, atmospheric composition, and agriculture.