The results of the experiment confirmed the scientists' hypothesis that uncontrolled grazing of animals leads to an increase both in carbon absorption by soil and reflectivity of the ground surface. The conclusion was made on the basis of data obtained as a result of a scientific experiment conducted on the territory of the Pleistocene Park Wildlife Refuge in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).
As part of the experiment, Russian scientists conducted field experimental work, where two types of analyzed plots were formed: one with grazing animals, the other - for control (without grazing impact). Laboratory determination of carbon, nitrogen content, acid-base conditions, granulometric composition and moisture content in the withdrawn soil samples confirmed a higher intensity of carbon and nitrogen accumulation in the soils of the pasture plots compared to the control ones.
Given the positive results of the first reconnaissance study, AIM Carbon said that they are considering the possibility of implementing the main part of the scientific experiment involving several thousand animals. According to the company's CEO Igor Akhmerov, the practical part of the experiment may begin as early as this fall:
“The territory of Russia is an ideal place to implement experimental projects on permafrost conservation in terms of climatic conditions and biodiversity. We are glad that we can make a significant contribution both to the development of science and to finding cost-effective solutions to this problem,” Akhmerov said.
Permafrost covers about 65% of Russia's territory and is a major reservoir of organic carbon. In April 2024, AIM Carbon, supported jointly with scientists from the Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Environmental Design and Survey, launched an experiment to find a solution to the permafrost thawing problem.
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