ARS | Publication request: SOIL CARBON SEQUESTRATION/MARKETS

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 19, 2006
Publication Date: May 19, 2006
Citation: Follett, R.F. 2006. Soil carbon sequestration/markets. American Society of Agronomy Abstracts.

Technical Abstract: Grasslands in the conterminous United States include about 212 of which about ~48 million hectares (Mha) of pasture and 164 Mha of rangeland. Rates of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration can range from none to approaching 1 metric ton (mt) SOC/year. Climate and management influence potential increases and/or maintenance of SOC. Management can include use of improved grazing, plant varieties, fertilization, and other inputs. Ranchers and farmers are interested in determining if the SOC sequestered in their soil is might be traded as greenhouse gas credits in a market based system. Information is provided about the concerns and needs of potential buyers and sellers as well as an update about some of the current trading activities that are underway in the United States. Finally, a summary is provided of some of the current efforts to provide needed information through research and other efforts.