Author
 |
Reicosky, Donald |
|
Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 9/22/2004 Publication Date: 9/22/2004 Citation: Reicosky, D.C. 2004. Conservation agriculture, CO2 mitigation, and environmental benefits: Global policies and perspectives. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Land Resource Management and Ecological Restoration in the Loess Plateau, September 20-22, 2004, Yangling, China. p. 37-50. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Agricultural soil carbon (C) sequestration may be one of the most cost effective ways to slow processes of global warming. Numerous environmental benefits may result from agricultural activities that sequester soil C and contribute to environmental security. As part of no-regret strategies, practices that sequester soil C help reduce soil erosion and improve water quality and are consistent with more sustainable and less chemically-dependent global agriculture. This work reviews research on tillage-induced C losses and environmental benefits of soil C in the US and its application for rain-limited areas in China. With conservation tillage, crop residues are left naturally on the surface to protect the soil and control the conversion of plant C to soil organic matter and humus. Intensive tillage releases soil C to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide where it can combine with other gases to contribute to the greenhouse effect. While we learn more about soil C storage and its central role in direct environmental benefits, we must understand the secondary environmental benefits and what they mean to production agriculture. Increasing soil C storage can increase infiltration, increase fertility and nutrient cycling, decrease wind and water erosion, minimize compaction, enhance water quality, decrease C emissions, impede pesticide movement and generally enhance environmental quality. Farmers need to be compensated for the societal benefits of C sequestration and the mechanisms that develop will allow for C trading and maintaining property rights. The sum of each individual C benefit adds to a total package with major significance on a global scale. Incorporating C storage in conservation planning demonstrates concern for our global resources and presents a positive role for soil C policies that will have a major impact on our future quality of life. |
