Soil carbon sequestration

This study was realized in Bétérou, Bétécoucou and Samiondji along Ouémé catchment located at the north and the center of Benin. It was aimed at: (i) characterize the soil of different types of agroforestry systems on the Ouémé watershed; (ii) describe the best agroforestry practices in the watershed; (iii) assess the contribution of these systems to soil conservation (iv) assess carbon sequestration potential of agroforestry systems in the catchment. Soil profiles were installed and samples of soil, litter and roots were collected and analyzed in the laboratory. Most soils have a high rate of sand and low loam and clay; they are neutral, low in organic matter, available phosphorus and nitrogen; they have a low cation exchange capacity and have a satisfactory C/N ratio. The potential for soil carbon sequestration of parks are averaging: 46.61 tC/ha for cashew parks, 57.21 tC/ha for shea parks, 40.55 tC/ha for mango parks, 38.29 tC/ha in African locust bean tree parks, 17.93 tC/ha for orange parks, 37.39 tC/ha for palm oil parks and 24.90 tC/ha for teak parks.

Keywords: soil characterization, potential carbon sequestration, parkland, Ouémé catchment, Benin.

Sacred groves are small or large patches of forest and are rich in biodiversity, store carbon (C) in biomass and soil, besides providing important ecosystem services. However, the information on tree species diversity, biomass, and C storage in sacred groves of Central India, Madhya Pradesh is elusive and fragmented. In the present study, 41 sacred groves were inventoried for tree species diversity, biomass, and C storage in vegetation and soil. A total of 103 tree species from 81 genera belonging to 37 families were recorded. Shannon's diversity, Dominance, Fisher's alpha, and species evenness indices for trees varied: 0.77-2.53, 0.07-0.64, 1.58-20.37, and 0.28-0.90 respectively. Tree density ranged 75-675 no. of stems ha −1 with a mean of 271 no. of stems ha −1 , while basal area ranged 6.8-47 m 2 ha −1 with a mean value of 27 m 2 ha −1. Tree biomass ranged 34.9-409.8 Mg ha −1 with a mean value of 194.01 Mg ha −1 , while, tree C ranged between 17.5 and 204.9 Mg C ha −1 wit...

Tropical forest soils contain some of the largest carbon (C) stocks on Earth, yet the effects of warming on the fate of fresh C entering tropical soils are still poorly understood. This research sought to understand how the fate of fresh C entering soils is influenced by warming, soil weathering status, and C chemistry. We hypothesized that compounds that are quickly incorporated into microbial biomass (i.e., greater C use efficiency [CUE]) subsequently have longer-term (255 days) retention in soil. We also hypothesized that relatively weathered soils with greater sorptive capacity also retain more fresh C in the short and longer-terms, and that C in these soils is more resistant to weathering loss compared with less weathered soils. We tested these hypotheses by adding two 13 C-labeled compounds (glucose and glycine) to three tropical forest soils from a weathering gradient in Hawai'i, and then incubating soils at ambient (16 • C), +5 • C, and +10 • C for 255 days. We found that 255-day 13 C retention in mineral soil across sites and temperatures was best predicted by two factors: initial retention of 13 C in mineral soil and initial microbial 13 CUE (Adjusted R 2 = 0.78). Carbon compound type influenced 13 C initial retention, with greater glucose-13 C retention versus glycine-13 C retention in mineral soils and microbial biomass, corresponding to greater glucose-13 C retention in soil at 255 days. Warming had a negative longer-term effect on the retention of 13 C only in the least-weathered soil, supporting our hypothesis. These results show that initial retention of fresh C in soils via mineral sorption and microbial uptake is a strong predictor of longer-term retention, indicating that immediate C losses are a major hurdle for soil C storage. Also, retention of fresh C appears most sensitive to warming in less-weathered tropical soils, supporting the idea that mineral sorption may provide some protections against warming. Understanding the interaction between soil sorptive properties and warming for C cycling could improve predictions of forest-climate feedbacks for tropical regions.

The content of labile, especially water extractable organic carbon (WEOC) is a sensible indicator of soil organic matter quality. The main objectives of this study were: i) to investigate the proile changes of cold and hot water extractable organic carbon in forest and arable soils; ii) to evaluate the correlation between these labile fractions of soil organic matter and total organic carbon content. The experiments were carried out on a Gleyic Albeluvisol (ABg) in the upper part of Dniester basin, Western Ukraine. The soil samples were taken from 50-cm depth soil
proile with 5-cm step. Total organic carbon (TOC), cold water extractable organic carbon (CWEOC) and hot-water extractable organic carbon (HWEOC) contents in soil were determined as well as pH (H2O) and electrical conductivity of soil:water suspensions. The results of this study showed that in 0–50 cm layer of arable soil TOC content decreased by 32%, CWEOC – by 23% and HWEOC – by 74% compared to forest soil that conirmed a
high informative role of HWEOC fraction. The proile changes of WEOC percentage were analysed. They also show that HWEOC is much more informative indicator of soil organic matter quality than CWEOC. The most prominent changes of soil chemical properties, TOC, CWEOC and HWEOC contents in response to deforestation
were observed in the top 5-cm soil layer. We suggested this thin soil layer to be deined as soil stress-sensitive zone.
Key  words:  dissolved  organic  carbon,  labile  fraction,  soil  organic  matter,  total  organic  carbon,  water-soluble organic matter.

This short article sets out the role that changes in land use and management can play in storing additional soil carbon (C) and contributing to the stabilization of global temperatures; and outlines some key messages and recommendations to policy makers from a soil science perspective. We set out how the global C cycle has been disrupted and how farmers can be supported in adopting sustainable soil management (SSM) practices that improve land productivity and the provision of multiple public services such as climate change mitigation.

Increasing of the global interest in the carbon cycle on coastal ecosystems, an urgent need to quantify soil organic carbon (SOC). Thence present study tried to compare three common techniques used in quantification of SOC, relatively high-temperature Loss-on-ignition (LOI) (550 o C), relatively Low-temperature LOI (375 o C) and wet digestion with chromic acid in Walkley-Black method. Three different coastal ecosystems were investigated comparatively for SOC content, Avicennia marina, mudflats and a hypersaline ecosystem of Salt Lake in two protected areas Nabq and Ras Mohammed using the three estimation techniques. Several reported precautions concerning overestimate of SOC using the high-temperature LOI method due to loss of inorganic fraction in form of carbonates due to high ignition temperature in addition to the possible underestimate of Walkley-Black method due to incomplete digestion of SOC, thus low-temperature LOI method was considered as a standard most applicable approach. Correlation models were developed between the standard method and the both other applied techniques to enable further tuning of previously estimated ecosystems under similar conditions. Low-temperature LOI approach could be considered as an accurate, simple, fast, cost efficient and environmentally friendly method for estimate of SOC.

Reforestation is an important tool for reducing or reversing biodiversity loss and mitigating climate change. However, there are many potential compromises between the structural (biodiversity) and functional (carbon sequestration and water yield) effects of reforestation, which can be affected by decisions on spatial design and establishment of plantings. We systematically review the environmental responses to reforestation and show that manipulating the configuration of plantings (location, size, species mix and tree density) increases a range of environmental benefits. More extensive tree plantings (> 10 ha) provide more habitat, and larger improvements to carbon and water cycling. Planting a mixture of native trees and shrubs is best for biodiversity while traditional plantation species, generally non-native species, sequester C faster. Tree density can be manipulated at planting or during early development to accelerate structural maturity and to manage water yields. A diversity of habitats will be created by planting in a variety of landscape positions and imitating the patchy distribution of forest types, which historically has characterized many regions. Areas with shallow aquifers can be planted to reduce water pollution or avoided to maintain water yields. Reforestation should be used to build forest networks that are surrounded by low-intensity land use and that provide links within regions and between biomes. While there are adequate models for C sequestration and changes in water yields after reforestation, the quantitative understanding of changes in habitat resources and species composition is more limited. Development of spatial and temporal modelling platforms based on empirical models of structural and functional outcomes of reforestation is essential for deciding on how to reconfigure agricultural regions. To build such platforms, we must quantify: (a) the influence of previous land uses, establishment methods, species mixes and interactions with adjacent land uses on environmental (particularly biodiversity) outcomes of reforestation; and (b) the ways in which responses measured at the level of individual plantings scale up to watersheds and regions. Models based on this information will help widespread reforestation for carbon sequestration improve native biodiversity, nutrient cycling and water balance at regional scales.

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is critical natural capital for primary producers. Higher levels of
SOC give a natural advantage to growers, providing storage of water and nutrients,
encouraging microbial activity, and imparting resilience to the soil in periods of climatic
extremes such as drought or high rainfall events.
This project was undertaken because a key group of industry stakeholders identifying the
need to assess the soil carbon stock of New Zealand kiwifruit orchards. In order to assess
the SOC stock, it was necessary to develop a practical methodology that would meet the
requirements of international guidelines such as PAS 2050: “Specification for the
assessment of the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of goods and services”. The
methodology that we developed to meet this requirement also allowed for the rapid
collection of soil samples at various depths in orchards with minimal soil surface
disturbance. Development of this practical collection methodology allowed us to record
extensive measurements from 64 orchards throughout NZ.
Using this methodology, we were able to assess the SOC stock of sites under different
management regimes, with different kiwifruit cultivars and in different growing regions of
NZ. SOC stocks varied between 42.46 t ha-1 and 600.84 t ha-1, with the highest average
regional SOC stock recorded in Northland and the lowest in Hawkes Bay.
Work comparing two blocks of kiwifruit side-by-side on the same property that had been
established 10 and 25 years ago found that the “old” block had 6 t ha-1 more carbon
sequestered than the “young” block, equating to an annual carbon sequestration rate of
400 kg C ha-1 year-1, in the top 1 metre of soil. On a different orchard location, we measured
SOC stocks to 9 metres deep under 30 year old kiwifruit and adjacent long-term pasture.
This kiwifruit orchard sequestered 6.3 tonnes C per hectare per year more than the pasture
soil in the top 9 metres of soil. These are significant amounts of C sequestration.
The implication of this finding is that the SOC sequestered each year within the top 1 m of
soil equates to about 4% of the emissions of Hayward kiwifruit grown in New Zealand and
Final Report SFF C09/20 August 2012 3
consumed in the United Kingdom when a conversion factor of 3.67 is used to convert SOC to
CO2 equivalents. If the top 9 m of soil are included in this calculation then the amount of
SOC sequestered equates to about 42% of the emissions associated with growing fruit in
New Zealand for consumption in the United Kingdom. Practically, it is likely to be difficult to
develop a robust and cost effective methodology based on this depth of sampling. Currently
carbon accreditation organizations are undertaking due diligence on this methodology and
our findings in regards to the potential for growers to receive carbon credits.
This increase in SOC also gives many production benefits as well as imparting resilience to
the effects of both extreme wet and dry periods, which are more likely given predictions of
climate changes. Any increase in SOC will improve drainage, root penetration and help
reduce compaction, especially critical in regions that have low levels of natural SOC, such as
Gisborne, Hawkes Bay and Motueka.
The COST team has provided reports to the owners of the 64 orchards in this study showing
the profile of SOC in their orchard vs. the district average, and this reporting has resulted in
constructive dialogue around the presence of and ways to increase SOC.
Several of the growers studied are now in the process of implementing practices such as
sub-soiling and establishment of deep-rooted sward species to increase SOC based on the
findings of this work.
Hayward kiwifruit caused significantly less GHG emissions per kg of fruit in the orchard
phase than Hort16A. This is mainly a result of the significantly higher amounts of nitrogen
fertilizers applied in Hort16A compared with Hayward. The emissions associated with
fertilizers and composts were the most important hot-spots for both varieties. Taking the
economic aspect of production into consideration, a NZ$ of profit from Hayward or Hort16A
production caused similar GHG emissions. In other words, the eco-efficiency of Hayward
Green was comparable with that of Hort16A Gold. Comparing the GHG emissions of the
two management systems, integrated and organically grown kiwifruit production, we found
that the carbon footprint of organic production was only slightly lower than that of
integrated production. However, this environmental advantage was not reflected in the ecoFinal
Report SFF C09/20 August 2012 4
efficiency. On the contrary, integrated kiwifruit production was slightly more eco-efficient
than organic production due to the higher yields of integrated production. .
If SOC were measured to the depth of 30 cm, as required under the Kyoto Protocol, only
34.5% of the SOC in the top 9 metres of kiwifruit soils would be measured, as opposed to
60.6% of the SOC in pasture.
The kiwifruit industry has used the presence of this project and its findings in its annual
sustainability report. This has proved valuable as retail customers have wanted to better
understand the ability of the New Zealand kiwifruit industry to continue to supply in the
future without being constrained by a loss in soil productivity or increased vulnerability to
climatic events.
During the course of this work, we have worked with various regional councils to confirm
the pedology of the study sites, and this engagement has been beneficial to all parties.
This work has attracted the interests of other perennial tree crop industries, as the
methodology developed is readily transferrable to other crops.
We have communicated the findings of this work at a number of conferences, and in
publications, as well as on the www.plusgroup.co.nz website.
Now that we have completed this report, we plan to present our findings at a range of
conferences, as well as through a range of popular and scientific publications.
By extrapolating the findings of our study, we estimate that the New Zealand kiwifruit
industry sequesters about 90,000 tonnes of carbon annually on orchard to 9 metres deep.

The present study attempts to relate the soil physical quality with five different land uses (Shola forest, Eucalyptus plantation, wattle plantation, grass land and scrub land) of a forest area (Udhagai range), which comes under Nilgiri south forest division, Nilgiri District, Tamil Nadu State. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of different land uses on soil physical quality. The soil samples were collected from different land uses at 0-15 cm (surface) and 15-30 cm (sub-surface) depth and were analyzed for soil physical properties with standard procedures. The results showed that soil texture is clay in all the land uses except in grassland which is clay loam. The higher sand (41.8%) and silt (25.4%) contents were recorded in the surface layer of grassland, and the lower values were recorded under wattle plantation. The clay content was higher in Shola forest (68.6%) and lower in grassland. The higher bulk density was recorded in scrub land (1.62 Mg m-3) and the least in grass land (1.35 Mg m-3); the particle density was higher in Shola forest (2.60 Mg m-3) and lower under grassland (2.36 Mg m-3). The soil samples of different land uses recorded wide variation in porosity, the highest being recorded in the Shola forest (57.1%) and lowest (45.8%) in wattle plantation. Shola forest recorded the highest available soil moisture (13.7%, w/w basis), and the lowest was with Eucalyptus plantation (9.3%). Shola forest and wattle plantations have soils with superior physical quality. Soils under Eucalyptus plantation and scrub lands recorded with poor physical quality which are prone to soil erosion and may deteriorate further. It is suggested that growing cover crops will minimize soil erosion and improve soil physical quality. Implementing soil and water conservation measures such as stone walls and continuous trenches will reduce soil losses and improve water availability and biomasses.

Air-drying and wetting of air-dried soil samples with water (i.e., rewetting) are widely used sample
treatments in soil analyses. It is recognized that both air-drying and rewetting of soil samples affect the
characteristics of organic matter (OM), but systematic evaluations are scarce. In this review, we synthesize
what is known in the scientific literature concerning the types and magnitudes of effects
resulting from air-drying and rewetting with respect to i) characteristics of aggregate-associated and
water-extractable OM, ii) soil microbiota, and iii) decomposition of OM. Air-drying of soil samples results
in the formation of new and/or stronger OM-mineral interactions as well as increased hydrophobicity
and mineral surface acidity. The formation of new and enhancement of existing OM-mineral interactions
may lead to an increase in perceived aggregate stability, potentially affecting estimates of amount and
persistence of OM associated with soil aggregates. Compared to field moist samples, air-dried samples
had 8e41% higher relative dry mass proportions in the 2e0.25 mm aggregate size fraction. Pronounced
changes in the amount and composition of the water-extractable OM and soil microbiota are also
detected during the course of air-drying and rewetting with the potential to affect the conclusions
derived from OM decomposition experiments. Air-dried soil samples were found to have 2e10 times
higher amounts of water extractable organic carbon and a decrease between 3% and 69% in the microbial
biomass carbon (using the substrate-induced respiration technique) compared to field moist samples.
The magnitude of air-drying and rewetting derived effects on sample characteristics appears to be site
and soil type specific.

This undergraduate project report investigates the effect and range of effect that increasing levels of moisture have on digestate-derived biochar prepared through pyrolysis with the purpose of optimizing the pyrolysis process. The measured quantities in the biochar post pyrolysis are calorific value ( using Channiwala's empirical formula), surface area (using the methylene blue test), and soil amendment properties (using the Water Holding Capacity Test and the Munoo-Liisa Vitality Index).

Soil is hugely important but also neglected and degraded, while stones are too often considered as more of a waste than a valuable resource or material.

Urgent action is needed to ensure the protection of these natural resources, and this means we must improve understanding and practices across sectors including construction, forestry, engineering, and agricultural management.

- English version below -

1987 haben wir den Grenzwert für Treibhausgase in unserer Atmosphäre überschritten. Seither stößt das Klima rasant in Dimensionen vor, an denen unsere Lebensgrundlage zugrunde geht. Boris Previšić ergeht sich weder in Horrorszenarien, noch verabreicht er Beruhigungstabletten. Wir müssen uns nichts vormachen: Es ist fünf nach zwölf, wir haben unser Kohlenstoffbudget längst aufgebraucht. Doch auf der Basis der neuesten Expertenberichte macht der Autor die Zusammenhänge und Dimensionen des fossilen Kohlenstoffkonsums in einer Weise nachvollziehbar und vorstellbar, dass auch die Lösungen auf der Hand liegen: Klimagerechtigkeit heisst nicht nur, noch heute den eigenen Ausstoß von Klimagasen zu eliminieren, sondern auch, Verantwortung für unsere CO2-Emissionen in der Vergangenheit zu übernehmen. Und dies ganz praktisch, indem wir Kohlenstoff unserer Atmosphäre im großen Stil wieder entziehen und in stabile und sichere Biomasse überführen. Nur so überlebt die Biosphäre, nur so überleben wir.

In 1987, we exceeded the limit for greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. Since then, the climate has been rapidly advancing into dimensions that are destroying our very basis of life. Boris Previšić does not dwell on horror scenarios, nor does he prescribe tranquillisers. We don't have to fool ourselves: It is five past twelve, we have run out of our carbon budget long ago. On the basis of the latest reports by experts, the author makes the connections and dimensions of fossil carbon consumption comprehensible and imaginable in such a way that the solutions are also obvious: climate justice means not only eliminating our own emissions of climate gases today, but also taking responsibility for our CO2 emissions in the past. And we do this in a very practical way by removing carbon from our atmosphere on a large scale and converting it into stable and safe biomass. This is perhaps the only way the biosphere survives, the only way we survive.

L’initiative internationale "4 pour 1 000" a pour ambition de soutenir États et acteurs non gouvernementaux dans leurs efforts vers une meilleure gestion des stocks de carbone (C) des sols. Ces stocks dépendent des entrées et sorties de C dans les sols. Ils sont la consé- quence de mécanismes interconnectés, agissant à une échelle spatiale fine, qui conduisent au stockage ou déstockage du C présent dans les matières organiques (MO). Il apparaît nécessaire de fédérer les recherches sur ces mécanismes et leur action sur les stocks de C dans un contexte de changement local ou global (usage des sols, pratiques agricoles, conditions climatiques ou édaphiques, etc.), ce qui a conduit à la création du collectif de chercheurs CarboSMS.
Cet article est la synthèse d'un séminaire dédié à cet enjeu. La première partie présente les avancées récentes sur la compréhension des mécanismes de stabilisation. Les mécanismes biotiques correspondent aux effets des plantes (principale source de C, notamment à travers leurs systèmes racinaires), des micro-organismes (champignons et bactéries) et des ingénieurs de l’écosystème (vers de terre, termites, fourmis) sur les stocks de C organique du sol. Les processus abiotiques sont liés à la structure physique du sol, à l’organisation de sa porosité et à sa fraction minérale : inclusion de la MO dans les agrégats, association aux minéraux, etc. Ces mécanismes biotiques et abiotiques se déroulent de façon concomitante et en interaction.
La deuxième partie discute des effets des pratiques agricoles sur les stocks de C des sols. Le choix des espèces végétales et de leur densité de plantation, l’intensité du prélèvement des végétaux, l’amendement, la fertilisation et le travail du sol, etc. conditionnent non seulement les apports de MO au sol dans le temps et l’espace, mais aussi la sensibilité de ces MO à la minéralisation, en agissant sur les mécanismes, biotiques comme abiotiques. La complexité des interactions entre les mécanismes et leurs effets dans le temps sur les stocks de C sont mis en évidence par les méta-analyses et les études de terrain de longue durée.
Les mécanismes de stabilisation du C organique dans les sols sont étudiés à fine échelle spatiale (mm-μm), dans des conditions spéci- fiques. La troisième partie de cet article discute de propositions concrètes pour aborder les questions du changement d’échelle (jusqu’à la parcelle et au niveau global) et de la validation de l’action d’un mécanisme dans différents contextes pédo-climatiques avant de le prendre en compte dans des modèles à large échelle pour améliorer les prévisions d’évolution des stocks de C des sols.
Enfin, dans une optique de mieux préserver les stocks de C, voire de les augmenter, cette revue bibliographique nous permet de faire des propositions pour les axes de recherches futures sur les mécanismes, les effets des pratiques agricoles sur ces mécanismes, et les modèles de prédiction des stocks de C.

THIS IS NATURE SIGNALING THE END OF DUALITY 
THIS IS HUGE - CHANGE THE ENTIRETY OF CREATION - NO DUALITY ANYWHERE.
IT IS VERY CLEARLY A PREDETERMINED ADVANCEMENT OF HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS - THIS BUBBLE IS TOO WELL DESIGNED - EUPHORIA CANCELS KARMA

Selangor State Agriculture Corporation (PKPS) made a proposal to acquire the whole of Kuala Langat South Forest Reserve (6,908 ha) for an oil palm plantation. The Chief Minister has given Selangor Forestry Department and the Selangor Wildlife Department two weeks to come up with justification for conserving the forest reserve. Subsequently the departments have decided to hold a rapid assessment of the area with interested stakeholders between 20 and 26 December 2010.
The assessment amongst others will include the following activities with the respective parties:
• Camera trapping of large mammals (PERHILITAN)
• Identification of small animals, birds, frogs and reptiles (PERHILITAN & MNS)
• Inventory of standing volume of timber (Forestry Department & UPM)
• Identification of plants and socio-economy survey (FRIM)
Global Environment Centre, as an environmental NGO with expertise in peatland management and conservation had decided to help out by focusing on peat assessment and potential carbon storage of the peat swamp forest.

Agroforestry is a land use type which embodies agricultural and forestry
elements in systems which fall between the current European definitions of exclusively
forestry and agriculture. If properly implemented, they can help overcome some of the
production, environmental and social problems that EU governments currently face.
Agroforestry practices are extensively applied in tropical countries and promoted by
international institutions. However, the degree of implementation in Europe is low and
almost exclusively confined to marginal areas where the advantages of this type of
land management are needed for sustainability in the short term. The main productive
advantages of agroforestry systems are linked to better use of resources in a spatial and
temporal scale which, at the same time, can enhance environmental benefits through
reduction in nutrient losses from agricultural land, increasing carbon sequestration,
enhancing biodiversity, reducing soil losses and helping manage fire risk in specific
areas. The advantages of agroforestry systems can confer important social benefits at
a farm level, in the different biogeographic regions of Europe and at the same time
benefit the general public. These aspects will be discussed in this chapter.

Current knowledge suggests that biochar can be applied to agricultural soils in order to boost crop yields and simultaneously sequester atmospheric carbon. Biochar could therefore have a role in ameliorating two of the major environmental problems facing humanity – climate change and food scarcity. Further benefits ascribed to biochar include reduced water demand (for irrigation), less downstream pollution and reduced emissions of greenhouse gases (eg NO2) from the soil. Evidence suggests that some of these effects are influenced by soil type. This ongoing PhD project is investigating the effect biochar has on a wide range of soil properties that influence productivity, in relation to soil type. Four distinct textural classes of soil widely found in eastern England (and surveyed in detail) are being compared, using four biochar treatment doses: 0, 0.1%, 0.5% and 2.5% w/w (equivalent to 0, 4, 20 and 100 t ha-1). Three types of experiment are being conducted: (1) Laboratory tests of soil hydrology, eg using Tempe cells; (2) Long-term outdoor pot trials with winter wheat; (3) Long-term farm field trials. Early results for pot trials to test available water capacity (AWC) show clear positive trends. It is expected that a great deal more data will have been obtained before presentation of the paper in September. The project will provide biochar data, which is lacking for this region, and extend our knowledge about the significance of soil type, which is also very scarce and fragmentary. By modelling and mapping the relative suitability of specific soils for amendment, according to various criteria, it is hoped that such information can pave the way for fine-tuning the strategic deployment of biochar. This methodology could be expanded and applied to other soils and other regions.

Plan de Ordenamiento Ambiental del Territorio (POAT). Departamentos de Boqueron y Alto Paraguay. Compilacion de Informes Sectoriales
publication date Mar 2007  publication description BGR (Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe - Geozentrum Hannover) with the "ORDAZUR" Project; USAID; Secretary of Environment (SEAM); European Union; Fundación para el Desarrollo Sustentable del Chaco (DeSdelChaco)
publication descriptionMulti-disciplinary assessment with representants of the private and the public sector, including the main local scientific and technical organizations.
Aim: An holistic approach to bring recommendations for sustainable use and management of natural resources together with aleviation of rural poverty, respect of cultural diversity and sustainable development of the region.
My collaboration: Compilation of the available scientific and technical information to formulate an official national land use management plan. Data on Biodiversity and Hydrology of the Paraguayan Chaco collection and analysis.
Cited in: Dalla-Corte, G. and F. Vázquez-Recalde (2011) La conquista y ocupación de la frontera del Chaco entre Paraguay y Argentina: los indígenas tobas y pilagás y el mundo religioso en la Misión Tacaaglé del Río Pilcomayo (1900-1950). Publicacions I Edicions de la Universitat de Barcelona. Spain (ISBN: 978-84-475-3523-1)
Cited as: SEAM (2007) Plan de Ordenamiento Ambiental del Territorio - Departamentos de Boquerón y Alto Paraguay". SEAM, USAID, DeSDelChaco, Proyecto ORDAZUR BGR. Asunción 120 pp.
Summary of the main issues:
Paraguayan Chaco ecosystem: sub-humid to semi-arid and subtropical to tropical; woody savannah and dry forest.
Threats: deforestation, salinization, desertification, pests, forests degradation, water scarcity, seasonal floods, rural poverty and inequality.
Advantages: mineral-rich soils for cattle breeding; natural resources availability.
Potential: alternative and sustainable use of natural resources; tourism (nature, ranching activities, the Paraguayan river)
Cultural diversity: Several indigenous cultures, including the Ayoreo Totoviegosode (non-contacted hunter-gatherer families); Mennonite colonies (germanic anabaptist rural towns).
Endengareous animals: jaguar, ant-eater, giant-armadillo, Southamerican giant otter, Marsh deer, tapir, etc.
http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PDACP458.pdf

Carbon capture and storage can simply be defined as capturing of waste CO2 from industrial sources at various stages (ex. pre-, post- combustion etc.), transporting it to a storage site (through pipelines etc.) and then depositing it underground so that the CO2 will not re-enter the atmosphere for a geologically significant long time. Because of the low prices of fossil fuels and lesser statutory restrictions in developing countries (which are primarily dependent on this form of energy), aided by slow development and high cost of alternative energy projects, the CO2 emission into the atmosphere has been ever increasing. The long lasting effects of such high levels of CO2 in atmosphere can portray an image of an impending catastrophe but a better approach would be to avoid those and look into the solutions to minimize the CO2 levels in atmosphere. This introductory chapter offers an insight into the technologies and the techniques that have been developed for carbon capture followed by transporting methods (and their problems) and ends with discussing the various storage technologies.

Agroforestry can raise carbon (C) stocks of agricultural systems, and such increases can potentially be sold as CO2 emission offsets. We assembled information on the biophysical, technical, economic, and practical potential of agroforestry to sequester C for the West African Sahel, East Africa, and Southern Africa. Agroforestry systems (AFS) such as parklands, live fences, and homegardens had substantial C stocks, but only accumulated 0.2–0.8 Mg C  ha−1 year−1. Rotational woodlots (2.2–5.8 Mg C  ha−1 year−1) and possibly improved fallows in Southern Africa sequestered C relatively faster, but only during the fallow phases. Data on soil C are scarce because most studies only compared soil C under different land uses, which provides limited (and sometimes unreliable) information on sequestration rates. Comparing results from different studies is difficult, because no standard protocols exist. Few studies have evaluated the economic potential of agroforestry to sequester C. However, at prices of $10 per Mg CO2-eq or less, the value of stored C in most systems would be less than $30 ha−1 year−1, which is a small fraction of annual farm revenue and it needs to cover all transaction measurement reporting and verification costs. Practical constraints to C sequestration (CS) such as land tenure, policy issues, and the opportunity costs incurred by possibly foregoing more profitable land management options have not been fully explored for Africa. For evaluating the challenges and opportunities involved in CS by smallholder farmers, comprehensive studies are needed that explore all C and non-C costs and benefits of agroforestry activities.

Coastal wetlands can sequester large amounts of organic carbon (OC), providing an additional motivation for the preservation and restoration of these ecosystems. In Tampa Bay (Florida, USA), created coastal wetlands are initially planted with Spartina spp., but nearly all sites naturally transition into mangrove forests. It was hypothesized that carbon storage in the created wetlands would increase with site age due to the accumulation of soil organic carbon and replacement of salt marsh vegetation with mangrove forests. Mature, mangrove-dominated sites had higher total organic carbon stocks (138.7 ± 13.8 Mg C ha−1) than middle-aged transitional sites (85.6 ± 25.5 Mg C ha−1) or young salt marshes (34.5 ± 7.7 Mg C ha−1). Mature sites consisted of tall trees (> 130 cm tall) and scarce salt marsh vegetation. Transitional sites contained mangrove scrubs (30–130 cm tall) and seedlings (< 30 cm tall) while still supporting salt marsh vegetation; younger sites were dominated by salt marsh vegetation and had no trees. Belowground OC constituted the greatest carbon pool (59.4% of the total OC stock), but belowground OC stocks were not significantly different among the site age classes, suggesting that aboveground OC stocks drove the difference in total OC stocks. The total carbon accumulation rate, including both aboveground and belowground OC, was 4.7 Mg C ha−1 year−1 across the 26-year chronosequence. This study has demonstrated that carbon storage in created coastal wetlands is correlated to wetland age, indicating that these ecosystems have the potential to become significant sources of OC storage.

The soils of Jinka in Southern Ethiopia were studied based on the detail works on soil pit description, characterizing and classification following the FAO and USDA guidelines. For this, along with the topo-sequence and landscape, six soil profiles were opened on an area of 100 ha of research field to make them suit for sustainable soil management practices. The soils were generally described as dark reddish brown to very dark brown and deep. These soils were characterized as slightly (4.87) to moderately acidic (6.18). The OC and available phosphorus were found to range from low to medium. All micronutrients were found to be highly associated with lower soil reaction. These soils group can be classified as Cambisols. Therefore, amending the soil with lime based on exchangeable acidity, essential and deficient nutrients will be vital for supplying food and feed crops in the region. However, continuous assessment of the nutrient status at every five to seven years is necessary to make sure that the soil quality is maintained.

Biochar's potential in improving crop performance, soil quality and functioning has been extensively studied with promising results reported. This study addressed research gaps and updated existing knowledge on long term effect of single biochar application on soil physicochemical properties. A three year field trial was set up on an acidic Alfisol testing the effect of rice husk biochar on select soil quality indicators viz.; soil pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density, water stable aggregates, water holding capacity, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, CEC and C:N ratio sampled at two soil depth (0-10 cm and 10-20 cm). A soil quality index was estimated to provide a quantitative tool for assessing the long term effects of biochar amendment on Alfisol productivity. Biochar amendment at 6-12 t ha −1 proved more efficient at improving soil quality index (SQI = 1.00) on a long term basis. Further, biochar amendment significantly enhanced all determined soil quality indicators after one year of biochar amendment at sampled soil depths. However, the effect of biochar on some soil quality indicators such as electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen and C:N ratio diminished after three years, while soil pH, CEC, bulk density-(decreased), water stable aggregates and water holding capacity remained consistently enhanced. Biochar showed more positive long term effect on improving soil physical quality indicators than chemical indicators. Particularly, decreasing soil electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen and C/N ratio after three years suggest increased uptake of soluble ions by plants, carbon mineralization and nitrogen flux with plausible soil organic carbon and nitrogen losses. To mitigate these accelerated carbon and nitrogen flux and increase the efficiency of aged biochar in sequestering carbon and nitrogen, re-application of biochar after three years is recommended. Overall, biochar amendment at the dosage of 6-12 t ha −1 is recommended for long term soil quality improvement in the study area and regions of the world with similar soil type and climatic conditions.

The study of total carbon sequestered in trees in the campus Dr. B. A.M. University, Aurangabad is
conducted. The biomass and total organic carbon of standing trees is estimated by non destructive method. The tree
height and girth is taken into consideration for the measurement of biomass and carbon content. The height of tree is
measured by using a theoretical model and concept is used for actual measurement of 20 different tree species
having diameter > 10 cm. Theodolite is used for the measurement of angle between tree top and observer. The total
biomass and total organic carbon has been determined and compared with Allometric model. At the time of
estimation of organic carbon storage by Allometric model, the study revealed that Allometric model based on
theoretical model can success used to determine the tree biomass by non-destructive method.

Forage and grazing (FG) systems can store a substantial amount of soil organic carbon (SOC) under appropriate land use management and reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Increasing SOC levels along with many interlinked ecosystem services are essential for increased productivity and sustainability of FG lands (FGLs). Although adoption of improved management practices (MPs) that support SOC sequestration (SOCq) is necessary, clear understandings of challenges and opportunities which are sometimes unique to individual FGLs, are also important for implementation of MPs. The objective of this forum paper is to explore the latest scientific knowledge on opportunities to address major challenges for increasing SOCq in FGLs. In intensively managed FGLs where the goal is often to maximize yields, lands are heavily fertilized and thus, usually drive towards SOC loss. Diversifications of both forage and grazing species along with strategic grazing plans have been proven as effective MPs for increasing SOCq. However, challenge of maintaining productivity levels still remains. Implementing improved grazing for nutrient cycling and integrating forage diversification for increased biodiversity are found to improve soil health attributes, which are critical for SOCq. However, to achieve this, we also need to consider site- and soil- specific factors. Extreme climatic events which often lead to decline in soil fertility status, SOCq and overall productivity of FGL systems. To address these challenges, uses of models to simulate the FGL systems and have definite choices of suitable MPs are helpful. However, we must be able to have access of wide range of datasets to develop system-level adaption-strategies which are effective to mitigate these adverse effects. Ultimately, participatory researches with novel views and improved perceptions based on the value of SOCq and long-term benefits of implementation of best MPs, developing education and outreach materials to enrich the producers’ knowledge gaps are helpful for climate resilient FGL systems.

Methodological approaches to estimating the potential of carbon sequestration by soils, including the interaction of organic substances with the mineral matrix, in the process of aggregation and reactions
with Al and Fe sesquioxides are considered. Examples of using predictive models based on linear regression equations and boundary analysis are given. Understanding soil carbon sequestration (SOC) is
important for developing strategies to increase its carbon stocks and opportunities to prevent an increase
in atmospheric carbon dioxide.

The addition of organic amendments to agricultural soils has the potential to increase crop yields, reduce dependence
on inorganic fertilizers and improve soil condition and resilience. We evaluated the effect of biochar (B), compost (C) and co-composted biochar (COMBI) on the soil properties, crop yield and greenhouse gas emissions froma banana and a papaya plantation in tropical Australia in the first harvest cycle. Biochar, compost and COMBI organic amendments improved soil properties, including significant increases in soil water content, CEC, K, Ca, NO3, NH4 and soil carbon content. However, increases in soil nutrient content and improvements in physical properties did not translate to improved fruit yield. Counter to our expectations, banana crop yield (weight per
bunch) was reduced by 18%, 12% and 24% by B, C and COMBI additions respectively, and no significant effect was observed on the papaya crop yield. Soil efflux of CO2was elevated by addition of C and COMBI amendments, likely due to an increase in labile carbon for microbial processing. Our data indicate a reduction in N2O flux in treatments containing biochar. The application of B, C and COMBI amendments had a generally positive effect on soil properties, but this did not translate into a crop productivity increase in this study. The benefits to soil nutrient content, soil carbon storage and N2O emission reduction need to be carefully weighed against potentially deleterious effects on crop yield, at least in the short-term.

The current research has investigated the soil quality status under dryland vegetation of Yabello district, Southern Ethiopia in which we should identify the nature and extent of salinity problem of the area for further research bases. About 48 soil samples were taken from 0-30, 31-60, 61-90 and 91-120 cm soil depths by opening 12 representative soil profile pits at 1.5 m depth. Soil color, texture, bulk density, Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Na, K, Mg, Ca, CaCO3, gypsum (CaSO4), pH, Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) were analyzed. The dominant soil texture was silty-clay-loam. Bulk density varied from 1.1 to 1.31 g/cm 3. High SOC content was observed in 0-30 cm. The soil pH ranged from 7.1 to 8.6. The electrical conductivity shows indirect relationship with soil depth while CaCO3 and CaSO4 concentrations were observed in a direct relationship with depth. About 41% are non-saline, 38.31% saline, 15.23% saline-sodic and 5.46% sodic soils. Na concentration in saline soils was greater than Ca and Mg in all the soil depths. Ca and Mg contents were higher above 60 cm soil depth in non-saline soils. The concentrations of SO2-4 and HCO-3 were observed to be higher at the most lower depth than upper. SAR value tends to be higher at lower depths in saline and saline-sodic soils, but decreases at lower depth of the non-saline soils. The distribution of ESP above 60 cm depth was in an increasing order in saline and saline-sodic soils. The result of the research has shown the direction to which extent of salinity we should consider for the Commiphora plant species we want to grow on the area.