Researchers believe that the Earth's soils currently contain 2.4 trillion tonnes of gases in the form of organic carbon, but they argue that there is potential for even more storage. A study published in Nature by scientists from the US and Scotland suggests that by implementing changes in agricultural practices, an additional 8 billion tonnes of carbon could be stored in the soil. Geoscientist Dave Reay from Edinburgh University emphasizes the importance of soil as a key ally in the fight against climate change, stating that improved management practices can significantly increase the amount of carbon stored in soils. The availability of data on soils has long been ignored as a solution for addressing climate change. Issues with measuring and reporting accurately have hindered advancements in climate-smart soil management. However, with the recent increase in big data on soils worldwide and advancements in understanding and modeling, it is time for this important aspect to be recognized. Researchers have known for some time that soils play a significant role in carbon storage and have been studying ways to control emissions from soils. They have tested methods for preserving soil carbon and have consistently warned about the organic carbon stored in permafrost. They have also determined that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions correlate with the expansion of global agriculture many years ago. Scientists now estimate that land use is responsible for around 25% of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions, with 10% to 14% directly from agriculture. They believe that since soils contain three times more organic carbon than is currently in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, improved management of the Earth's surface could also aid in reducing emissions. The key is to maintain healthy ecosystems, as unmanaged forests and grasslands are effective at storing carbon. Restored wetlands can also absorb carbon, while drained wetlands release it. Sustainable agricultural practices, such as growing crops with deeper roots and using charcoal-based composts, can help conserve carbon and provide food. Tools like the 'Cool Farm Tool' can assist farmers in managing emissions from their land. Various responses, such as improved crop rotation, low tillage instead of deep ploughing, land restoration, and agroforestry, could collectively have a significant impact, according to researchers. This "all-of-the-above" approach, with support from science, government policymakers, and innovative strategies, could potentially help soils retain the equivalent of four-fifths of annual emissions from the burning of fossil fuels.