Offered Papers Theme B: Grassland and the Environment
Description
Human induced increases in atmospheric CO2 through the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation are considered to be a primary cause of rising global temperatures. However, carbon sequestration by terrestrial ecosystems has reduced the rate of CO2 accumulation in the atmosphere. Because of their vast size, grazing lands have the potential to sequester significant quantities of carbon, slowing the increase in atmospheric CO2 and reducing the risk of global warming. Although C uptake during the growing season can be substantial, losses following defoliation and drought, and during the winter months can significantly reduce annual sequestration, frequently turning grazing lands into net carbon sources. The objective of this research was to quantify the magnitude of carbon sources and sinks for humid-temperate grazing lands under a range of management practices, and, in particular, examine the impact of dormant-season fluxes on annual carbon storage.
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Dormant-Season Carbon Fluxes in Humid-Temperate Pastures
Human induced increases in atmospheric CO2 through the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation are considered to be a primary cause of rising global temperatures. However, carbon sequestration by terrestrial ecosystems has reduced the rate of CO2 accumulation in the atmosphere. Because of their vast size, grazing lands have the potential to sequester significant quantities of carbon, slowing the increase in atmospheric CO2 and reducing the risk of global warming. Although C uptake during the growing season can be substantial, losses following defoliation and drought, and during the winter months can significantly reduce annual sequestration, frequently turning grazing lands into net carbon sources. The objective of this research was to quantify the magnitude of carbon sources and sinks for humid-temperate grazing lands under a range of management practices, and, in particular, examine the impact of dormant-season fluxes on annual carbon storage.
