BONNER SPRINGS, Kan. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Friday it will begin rewarding farmers and ranchers whose tilling and planting practices help reduce greenhouse gases.

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman said the department will take greenhouse gas management practices into account when evaluating farmers’ applications for conservation grants and subsidies. The department will also offer technical assistance, demonstrations and pilot programs.

Greenhouse gases, which are believed to contribute to global warming, can be reduced through carbon sequestration – the natural process by which carbon dioxide in the air is turned into carbon stored in the soil and in plants.