Articles tagged with Soil Carbon
A new study published in Nature Communications outlines the mechanisms of converting permafrost carbon to CO2, highlighting the importance of sunlight and the right microbial community. The research found that sunlight enhances decay by some microbial communities, making frozen carbon more accessible to others.
New research suggests that reducing deforestation and increasing soil carbon sequestration in agriculture can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining or improving food security. This approach has the potential to bring benefits for climate change mitigation while minimizing trade-offs with food security.
A study predicts that changes in precipitation and air temperature will lead to increased plant mortality risk in 13 temperate and tropical forests worldwide. However, higher atmospheric humidity and CO2 concentrations partially offset this rising mortality risk.
Researchers propose a new approach to understanding soil organic matter's response to climate change and atmospheric chemistry. Soil microbes contribute significantly to stable carbon pools through catabolic and anabolic activities, which could lead to improved soil stabilization and renewal strategies.
Agricultural land use has led to significant soil carbon loss over the past 12,000 years. Major cropping or grazing regions show high hotspots of soil carbon loss, indicating potential areas for restoration.
Researchers developed a portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (PXRF) device to measure calcium levels in soils. The device provides accurate data on 20 elements in 60 seconds, improving field assessments for soil scientists.
Researchers found that soil microbes respond differently to shifts in moisture, with those from wetter areas respiring twice as much carbon to the atmosphere. This discovery suggests historical rainfall levels can impact climate modeling, improving predictions of local or regional differences in soil respiration and climate history.
A study by Kansas State University ecologists found that leaf litter decomposition rates are less than half of what the metabolic theory predicts, even at higher temperatures. This suggests that warmer temperatures may not accelerate decomposition as much as expected.
Cornell University scientists discovered a high-definition system allowing electrons to travel through soil more efficiently than previously thought. Biochar amendments facilitate this process, promoting conductive networks and growth.
New research finds that warming soil layers can increase CO2 release by 34-37% due to deeper storage of carbon. This suggests a significant source of uncertainty in climate projections and highlights the need for better understanding of soil's role in climate change.
A new European study has found that soil carbon loss is more sensitive to climate change compared to carbon taken up by plants. In wetter regions, soil carbon loss increased, while in drier regions it decreased, and this could lead to a positive feedback on atmospheric CO2 levels.
The task force proposes strategies to recycle carbon dioxide and remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, complementing carbon-free approaches like electrification. These approaches aim to produce an overall emissions reduction of at least one billion tons of carbon dioxide per year.
The study found that tall fescue resulted in more soil carbon than Kentucky bluegrass, but required more frequent mowing. Returning grass clippings increased both soil carbon and nitrogen compared to when clippings were collected.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that wetlands store a significant amount of carbon, with freshwater inland wetlands holding nearly 10 times more carbon than tidal saltwater sites. The research highlights the importance of protecting wetlands from human activity to prevent climate change.
Recent research suggests that coastal wetland ecosystems such as mangrove forests, tidal marshes, and seagrass meadows are effective climate buffers, storing carbon for hundreds to thousands of years. Coastal wetlands capture and store more than 200 metric tons of carbon per year globally, with 50-90% stored in soils.
Researchers found that both crops successfully sequestered more carbon in the soil than was lost from the soil surface, with sugarcane storing three times as much carbon. Deficit irrigation boosted soil carbon sequestration but reduced yield.
Researchers at University of Nevada, Reno partner with Earthwatch Institute to study Sierra meadow ecosystems and their carbon storage potential. Citizen scientists from northern California and Reno area participate in project, measuring carbon stored in plants and vegetation.
A global study predicts that soils may release large quantities of carbon dioxide in response to warming, leading to even faster rates of warming globally. Soils in Arctic ecosystems are the most susceptible to releasing stored carbon when warmed.
A new study found that melting permafrost during a past warming spike led to the massive release of stored carbon into the atmosphere, with severe deepening of the active layer and enhanced microbial respiration. The research provides crucial insights into how permafrost will respond to future climate change.
The Department of Energy's PNNL is conducting two ongoing research efforts exploring the properties of soil. MinT initiative focuses on microbes in soil, while IPASS studies fundamental processes affecting carbon, nitrogen and water through plant ecosystems.
The book outlines land management practices tested in twelve global projects to address soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. It offers evidence-based research with a focus on implementation, aiming to bridge the gap between science and practice.
A new study predicts that global warming will drive the loss of at least 55 trillion kilograms of carbon from soils by mid-century, more than double projected human-related emissions. This loss is expected to be greatest in high latitudes, where cold conditions have allowed massive carbon stocks to build up over thousands of years.
A new study predicts that climate change will release 55 trillion kilograms of carbon from the soil by mid-century, exacerbating global warming. The impact on the soil's storage capacity is expected to be equivalent to adding another industrialized country like the US to the planet.
A study found that soil respiration rates increase with temperature up to 25°C, but decrease above this threshold. The Arctic and deserts are most responsive to climate warming due to higher carbon storage in soils.
Experts predict that soils will lose a significant amount of their carbon content, leading to increased soil erosion and flood damage. Land use changes and management practices are crucial to mitigate this trend and protect soil functions.
Coastal Louisiana's unique situation allows scientists to study future global sea level rise effects on wetland-dominated coastlines. The region experiences a relative sea level rise rate of 13 millimeters per year, with extensive coastal wetland loss and rapid erosion of carbon-rich peat soils.
Microbiologist Kristen DeAngelis receives $2.5 million grant from US Department of Energy to study soil microbes' impact on carbon cycle. The research aims to improve understanding of how climate change affects soil carbon storage and develop new methods for modeling microbial contributions to global carbon cycling.
A new study chronicles how Central Asia dried out over the last 23 million years due to the rise of lesser-known mountain ranges. Researchers measured carbon isotope values in ancient soil samples to draw a fuller portrait of climatic changes, showing an exceptionally arid region deep in Asia's interior.
A new mapping project identifies 20% of the globe's northern permafrost region as potential thermokarst landscape, storing twice as much carbon as currently in the atmosphere. Scientists can use the map to estimate greenhouse gas emissions and test assumptions about permafrost thaw.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have created the world's first global PyC database, revealing charcoal is a major component of soil worldwide. The study found PyC represents more than half of the organic matter identified, with agricultural land and high pH soils retaining it best.
The U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute has accepted 10 new research projects to harness the combined power of genomics and molecular characterization, exploring pressing questions in energy, environment, and basic research. The selected proposals focus on topics such as plant-microbe interactions, biofuels, and biogeochem...
A University of Alaska Fairbanks-led study measures methane release from Arctic permafrost, finding nearly no sign that it has begun, despite projections of large emissions in the future. The research suggests current rates are still below expected levels, but warn of a significant threat to global carbon levels.
A new study calls for collaboration between modelers and soil scientists to improve understanding of soil carbon turnover and its potential impact on climate feedbacks. The researchers aim to increase confidence in climate projections by representing a range of ideas about how the world works in models.
Scientists have untangled the genetic material of Kansas soil, reconstructing portions of 129 microbial genomes. The study provides a leap forward in understanding the diversity and interactions of microbes in complex soil samples.
A nine-year study by R. Howard Skinner found that multispecies pastures produce significantly more forage than two-species mixtures, with an average increase of 31%. This improvement is attributed to the enhanced carbon storage in the soil, allowing it to hold more water and mitigate droughts.
Soil moisture levels in the Arctic play a crucial role in determining carbon emissions as temperatures rise. A recent study found that dry soils release significantly more carbon than wet soils, even accounting for methane production.
Research by Dr Iain Hartley at the University of Exeter found that carbon dioxide is the biggest player in controlling future rates of permafrost thaw. Soils with dry conditions release more than three times as much carbon as those with wet, low-oxygen conditions.
A study by Northern Arizona University's Christina Schädel found that carbon dioxide is the largest contributor to permafrost thawing, with dry soils releasing more CO2 than wet ones. This discovery highlights the need to monitor changes in soil moisture conditions to better understand the impact of permafrost thawing on climate change.
A study published in Nature Climate Change found that carbon dioxide emissions from dry soils will strengthen the climate forcing impact of thawing permafrost. In contrast, oxygen-poor wetlands primarily release methane. The research highlights the need to monitor changes in soil moisture conditions, which have a greater effect on carb...
Research suggests that protecting natural forest regrowth in secondary tropical forests can significantly reduce carbon emissions. These young and middle-aged forests have the potential to capture equivalent amounts of carbon as Latin America and the Caribbean between 1993 and 2014. If left alone for 40 years, they could play a substan...
Three PNNL scientists, Yingge Du, Kirsten Hofmockel, and James Moran, have been selected to receive Early Career Research Program grants from the Department of Energy. They will conduct research in climate science, energy storage, and other areas, with each receiving at least $2.5 million over five years.
Researchers discover microbes creating tubular microtunnels in basaltic volcanic glass on Earth, expanding our understanding of subsurface microbial activity. This finding also suggests that similar features may exist on Mars, potentially near the surface, which could aid future Mars missions.
Despite a severe drought, the contiguous United States remained a carbon sink in 2012, absorbing more carbon during warmer springs and releasing less during dry summers. The unique combination of measured data from various sources allowed researchers to calculate the carbon exchange for the entire US during this period.
A Dartmouth study finds that clear-cutting forest soils increases carbon release, contributing to climate change. Soils store up to 50% of total ecosystem carbon, and logging disrupts soil carbon dynamics.
Soil has the potential to sequester more carbon than the current atmosphere, and climate-smart agricultural practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil fertility. Several methods, including reducing tillage and applying biochar, can be used by land users to abate emissions and sequester carbon.
Research suggests that soils could store an extra 8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases, helping to combat climate change. Adopting sustainable land use practices and technologies could enhance soil carbon storage, equivalent to four-fifths of annual fossil fuel emissions.
A new Dartmouth study finds that Arctic soils are releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere at an accelerated rate due to rising temperatures and moisture levels. The research suggests that warmer conditions could create a positive feedback loop, further boosting global temperatures.
A University of Illinois study found that including four key biophysical processes in computer models can estimate permafrost area and stability more accurately. The new model suggests that permafrost has declined more slowly than previously thought, and its release could impact climate change.
Researchers found that microbes retained many of their original traits after 17 years, despite being transplanted to new climates, suggesting they may not be as adaptable to climate change as previously thought. This study has significant implications for our understanding of the future climate and the resilience of the environment.
A new study reveals rapid melting of ancient ice wedges across the Arctic, affecting runoff and amplifying permafrost thawing. The research indicates widespread ice wedge degradation with major implications for global warming and thermokarst formation.
Soil is an effective carbon sink, and adopting new farming practices like cover crops and no-till farming can enhance its organic matter, boosting carbon content. This approach has direct benefits to farmers, including reduced soil erosion and increased resilience to drought.
A University of Delaware professor studied how permafrost thawing impacts vegetation and the carbon cycle in Alaska's North Slope. The study found that increased snow accumulation leads to warmer soils, greater methane emissions, and changes in plant species.
Researchers found that high CO2 concentrations in the soil change community dynamics, leading to less efficient food web processes. This study provides insights into the environmental risks of subterranean CO2 storage.
A recent study suggests that increased atmospheric carbon dioxide is the likely cause of global dryland greening, as it leads to water savings and increases in available soil water. This trend has been observed through satellite images in regions such as the Mediterranean, Sahel, and Middle East.
The study reveals that forest clearing substantially affects local climate by altering average temperature and maximum summer temperatures. Evapotranspiration plays a key role in these impacts, with arid areas experiencing the most pronounced effects.
A team of researchers is urging increased spending on agricultural research in the Midwest to address climate change impacts. The proposed network would gather data on crop performance and management practices across the region to improve crops' adaptation to high temperatures, carbon dioxide, ozone, pests, and disease.
Researchers have created detailed maps of the world's natural landscapes to better predict climate change impacts. The maps show how carbon is stored in plants, trees, and soils, revealing differences in biological properties between habitats.
A long-term study at Harvard Forest found that adding litter accelerated the breakdown of organic matter, releasing more CO2 into the atmosphere. The experiment contradicts previous assumptions about soil's ability to store carbon.
A new study reveals that freshwater rivers and streams transport or store more than 220 billion pounds of carbon each year. This finds that the actual carbon storage in forests is decreased by almost 30 percent once accounting for the leaking carbon into aquatic environments.
Research reveals that grassland soil microbial communities exhibit seasonal responses to temperature and precipitation changes, with warming treatments having a limited impact. The study highlights the importance of long-term research to understand the effects of climate change on these critical ecosystems.