While critics of soil carbon as a means of reducing emissions have dismissed it on the grounds it is too hard to measure, new research out of Brazil could provide the answer for farmers and the potential for a more agriculture-friendly climate deal.

There's been a quiet revolution in the soil carbon sphere, particularly in Australia.

Now joint research from the International Potato Centre (CIP) and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation has made it possible to measure, monitor and verify soil carbon levels on-site.

The measurements are possible using laser-induced optical techniques to test soil carbon and can be applied in different agricultural systems and regions.

The two groups say they can now effectively monitor soil carbon content and quality in agricultural systems and develop soil protection strategies to mitigate the greenhouse effect caused by the release of carbon into the atmosphere.

* For a look at the results from a special project in this area visit www.cipotato.org