Report
Carbon sequestration potential in cropland soils in the inland Pacific Northwest : knowledge and gaps
Extension mimeo (Washington State University. Extension), 124E, Washington State University Extension
09/2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000005513
Abstract
Cropland soils have the potential to either release (be a source of) or capture and sequester (be a sink for) carbon. This publication explains the processes that influence whether soils are sources or sinks, summarizes existing experimental and modeling evidence relating to the carbon sequestration potential of cropland soils in the Pacific Northwest, and identifies remaining knowledge gaps. The purpose of this summary is to provide context for regional discussions intent on fostering farming practices that show the best potential for carbon sequestration. We review regional research on the impacts of agricultural management strategies on carbon sequestration, including intensifying crop production, reduced or no-tillage, perennial crops, soil amendments, cover crops, crop rotation, reduced burning, and reduced erosion. Our summary suggests that a number of practices can provide modest, but real, contributions to carbon sequestration, with the likelihood of substantial co-benefits in the form of soil conservation, improved water quality and soil water storage, increased microbial activity, and sustaining soil s ability to grow food for future generations. The opportunities to build soil organic carbon are greater on a per acre basis in annually cropped systems with higher productivity (generally those with higher rainfall or irrigation). Benefits of particular management practices are variable and depend on whether or not the soils were depleted in soil organic carbon when a management change was implemented, the characteristics of the location and soils, and time elapsed since a management change occurred. There is an ongoing need to establish credible estimates of carbon fluxes for Northwest agricultural systems. These estimates must also be accompanied by monitoring to determine whether cropland soils are achieving carbon sequestration goals. Thoughtful consideration of the environmental and production contexts surrounding Pacific Northwest agriculture, combined with targeted research to identify the most effective carbon sequestration practices, could lead to the development of strategies through which Pacific Northwest croplands can contribute to climate change mitigation efforts and other environmental goals.
Metrics
36 File views/ downloads
29 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Carbon sequestration potential in cropland soils in the inland Pacific Northwest : knowledge and gaps
- Creators
- Georgine YorgeyKaren HillsChad E. KrugerSonia A. HallClaudio O. Stockle
- Academic Unit
- Publications, WSU Extension
- Series
- Extension mimeo (Washington State University. Extension); 124E
- Publisher
- Washington State University Extension; Pullman, Washington
- Format
- pdf
- Identifiers
- 99901041600101842
- Copyright
- http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Report