Potential soil carbon sequestration in overgrazed grassland ecosystems
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Authors: R. Conant, and K. Paustian
Date: 2002
Journal: Global Biogeochemical Cycles
Volume: 16
Number: 4
Pages: 90:1-90:9
Summary of Methods: Changes in grassland management that reverse the process of declining productivity can potentially lead to increased soil C. Therefore, rehabilitation of areas degraded by overgrazing can potentially sequester atmospheric C. Conant and Paustian modeled the potential for carbon sequestration in grasslands around the world, based on existing studies of soil fractions from heavily- and moderately-grazed locations. In general, more productive rangelands, such as those in the southeast, are better able to sequester carbon. Grazing regimes to increase productivity will increase the carbon content of soils. However, the dense root structure of blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) appears to produce more soil carbon than less preferred species in Western rangelands; implying that heavier grazing can lead to greater carbon sequestration in some environments. Most (93%) C sequestration potential occurred in areas with mean annual precipitation less than 1800 mm. Universal rehabilitation of overgrazed grasslands can sequester approximately 45 Tg C yr-1, most of which can be achieved by the cessation of overgrazing, and implementation of moderate grazing intensity. Institutional level investments by governments may be required to sequester additional C.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Scientific Synthesis
Keywords: soil carbon, grassland management, pasture management, rangeland management, carbon sequestration, overgrazing, soil degradation
Annotation: The literature review for this review identified 22 data points from 12 studies that reported soil C in heavily and moderately grazed grassland ecosystems. Most studies (58%) and data points were located in North America. The rest of the studies and points were from studies done in Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Russia etc. This summary attempts to only use information from the North American studies. Season of use is not defined.
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