The RECSOIL initiative

Since its inception in 2020, the RECSOIL initiative (Recarbonization of Agricultural Soils) has established a solid foundation for sustainable change by providing farmers and technicians with the tools and knowledge necessary for effective soil management. The initiative starts with a feasibility study to assess soil carbon sequestration potential, followed by comprehensive training in data management, soil monitoring, and sustainable soil management (SSM) practices.

Key outcomes and lessons learned from RECSOIL implementation in Costa Rica

In December 2024, a workshop convened about 40 stakeholders to review the first year of implementing SSM practices, after the initial baseline assessment. The discussions centered on the successes and challenges encountered, as well as strategies for upscaling the initiative. Key takeaways are:

• Capacity building: Training sessions have been effective but need better customization for farmers and different participating technicians to address technological gaps.
• Protocols: While sampling protocols were easy to apply, adjustments are needed, to align timing with farming activities.
• Practice implementation: SSM practices and protocols have served as useful reference points, but further training is needed for broader implementation.
• Extension and Soil Doctors: Strong farmer participation was evident, but improving coordination with the National Soil Doctors Programme is required to upscale the initiative.
• Laboratory capacity: Laboratory capacity beyond the national reference laboratory is limited, requiring additional support, including training and equipment, to strengthen soil analysis capabilities.

The workshop also emphasized the importance of increasing collaboration, securing financial support, and involving more farmers to scale the initiative across the country.

Scaling up for long-term impact

Technical capacity building remains a cornerstone of the RECSOIL mission. FAO experts led training sessions for technicians from key organizations like Dos Pinos, ICAFE, and INTA on the RECSOIL app for data collection. This training ensures technicians can effectively record and monitor farm data for the 2025 monitoring phase.

In addition, a full-day training on greenhouse gas (GHG) estimation tools was conducted to help technicians assess emissions from dairy and coffee farms, ensuring that RECSOIL’s climate mitigation potential is accurately monitored.

Celebrating Soil Health

The mission coincided with Costa Rica’s World Soil Day event, organized by the Costa Rican Soil Science Association (Asociación Costarricense de la Ciencia del Suelo, ACCS) on 5 December. The event highlighted the contributions of the GSP to national soil health efforts and facilitated a vital exchange of knowledge. It underscored the essential role of soil management in addressing climate change, bringing together experts and community members to discuss SSM practices.

Looking ahead: Next steps for RECSOIL in Costa Rica

The next phase of RECSOIL will focus on refining monitoring and reporting protocols, enhancing the RECSOIL app, and expanding the adoption of sustainable practices across Costa Rica. The goal is to scale the initiative to additional regions, contributing to both national and global climate goals. Ongoing training and improved monitoring systems will be crucial for ensuring that financial compensation mechanisms align with long-term sustainability objectives. As RECSOIL evolves, Costa Rica’s leadership in this initiative offers a valuable model for other countries striving for climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.