SOIL CARBON AMENDMENT

Application of carbon-based amendments derived from plant materials or treated animal byproducts.

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

This practice applies to areas of Crop, Pasture, Range, Forest, Associated Agriculture Lands, Developed
Land, and Farmstead where organic carbon amendment applications will improve soil conditions.

General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes

Plan, design, and implement carbon amendment applications in compliance with all Federal, State, and
local laws and regulations. The owner or operator is responsible for securing all required permits or
approvals and for applying in amendment in accordance with such laws and regulations.

PURPOSE

Use this practice to accomplish one or more of the following purposes:

Improve or maintain soil organic matter

Sequester carbon and enhance soil carbon (C) stocks

Improve soil aggregate stability

Improve habitat for soil organisms

Apply carbon amendments with minimal disturbance at a rate and time that will achieve the intended
purpose.

Do not apply high-salt materials (>8 mmhos/cm) where salinity is a concern.

Additional Criteria for All Amendments

Prior to application, document the physical and chemical analysis (i.e., composition and properties) of amendment per amendment category near the time of application. Current amendment analysis documentation shall be provided by the party who produces the amendment.

Other carbon amendments

Use regionally-appropriate carbon-based materials to fulfill the purpose(s). Other carbon amendments
may include but are not limited to waste plant materials that would otherwise not provide a conservation
benefit (e.g., harvested invasive aquatic species), wood chips, pulverized paper, bagasse, or distillation
residue.

Follow State specific criteria for regionally appropriate carbon-based materials.