Agronomist Answers Top Carbon Sequestration Questions

Monsanto expert Pete Hill addresses no-tillers' concerns about global warming and greenhouse gases.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, abstract painting in soft earth tones depicting the intricate cycles and flows of carbon through the natural world, rendered in the style of artist Hilma af Klint's scientific diagrams.An abstract visual representation of the carbon cycle and the complex natural and human-driven forces that influence greenhouse gas levels.Urbandale Today

In an interview at the National No-Tillage Conference in Des Moines, agronomist Pete Hill from Monsanto answered the most common questions from no-till farmers about carbon sequestration, global warming, and greenhouse gas emissions. Hill discussed the science behind climate change, the primary sources of greenhouse gases, and the increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Why it matters

As concerns about climate change and carbon credits grow among agricultural producers, understanding the science and sources behind greenhouse gas emissions is crucial for no-till farmers looking to adopt more sustainable practices and potentially earn carbon credits.

The details

Hill explained that global warming is a real phenomenon caused by the increased emissions of gases like methane, carbon dioxide, and others that trap solar radiation in the Earth's atmosphere, similar to a greenhouse. The primary sources of these greenhouse gases include burning fossil fuels, using fertilizers, and changes in land use like deforestation and conversion of grasslands to cropland. Hill noted that carbon dioxide is the greenhouse gas found in the greatest concentration and does the most damage.

  • The interview took place at the 8th annual National No-Tillage Conference in Des Moines in 2026.

The players

Pete Hill

An agronomist with Monsanto in Urbandale, Iowa who has closely followed carbon sequestration issues.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Global warming is a real phenomenon that is partially a result of the increased emissions of certain gases. When methane, carbon dioxide and other gases accumulate at the highest levels of the earth's atmosphere, the result is increased trapping of solar radiation (much like a greenhouse) and the earth becomes warmer.”

— Pete Hill, Agronomist

“Several sources, but primarily from burning fossil fuels (in automobiles and tractors), use of fertilizers and changes in land use. Stash burning of forests, conversion of grasslands to cropland and conventional tillage are primary examples that release relatively high amounts of gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.”

— Pete Hill, Agronomist

“Yes, especially with CO2. Without substantial changes in our way of living, the increases of gases will continue along with the warming…”

— Pete Hill, Agronomist

The takeaway

As concerns about climate change and carbon credits grow in the agricultural community, understanding the science behind greenhouse gas emissions and the primary sources is crucial for no-till farmers looking to adopt more sustainable practices and potentially earn carbon credits through sequestration.