The Dukes Conservation District will host a lecture and discussion about how farmers can help remove carbon from the atmosphere this Friday, April 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Agricultural Hall.

The event will feature Julie Rawson, executive director of the state branch of the Northeast Organic Farming Association, and carbon analyst Jack Kittredge. They own Many Hands Organic Farm in Barre, where they focus on farm practices that incorporate atmospheric carbon dioxide into the soil in the form of organic matter. Beyond benefits for soil, the process can remove carbon dioxide from the air. Carbon dioxide is one of the gases that produces the greenhouse effect, which is gradually raising the average global air temperatures. Increasing organic matter in soil is a tool in slowing down and reversing global warming.

The talk Friday will focus on methods that can increase soil organic matter while improving crop yields. Many practices are easy to adapt for home gardens.

The talk is also sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society, Polly Hill Arboretum, and the Island Grown Initiative. It is free and open to all.