ARS | Publication request: Management to Sustain Soil Function and Mitigate Climate Change

Submitted to: Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: October 14, 2009
Publication Date: November 9, 2009
Citation: Wienhold, B.J. 2009. Management to Sustain Soil Function and Mitigate Climate Change. In: Symposium Proceedings of 'Innovations Transfer in the Context of Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Agriculture' International Conference, November 11-13, 2009, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. p. 133-139.

Interpretive Summary: Soils perform a number of essential functions. Soil management practices are needed that will sustain soil function and meet the food, feed, and fiber needs of a growing human population. Improved soil management has the potential to mitigate climate change through C sequestration, offset fossil fuel consumption by producing biofuel feedstock, and reduced emissions of greenhouse gasses. Societal changes are needed to improve understanding of soils and agroecosystems and understand the challenges involved with modifying management to mitigate environmental quality while meeting food, feed, and fiber demands.

Technical Abstract: Soils perform a number of essential functions. Soil management practices are needed that will sustain soil function and meet the food, feed, and fiber needs of a growing human population. Improved soil management has the potential to mitigate climate change through C sequestration, offset fossil fuel consumption by producing biofuel feedstock, and reduced emissions of greenhouse gasses. Societal changes are needed to improve understanding of soils and agroecosystems and understand the challenges involved with modifying management to mitigate environmental quality while meeting food, feed, and fiber demands.