ARS | Publication request: Methodology for large-area moderate-resolution monitoring of soil organic carbon change

Submitted to: Trans American Geophysical Union
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: November 19, 2010
Publication Date: November 23, 2010
Citation: Rice, C.W., Brown, D.J., Hunt, E.R., Izaurralde, C.R., Paustian, K.H., Shumaker, B.L., West, T.O. 2010. Methodology for large-area moderate-resolution monitoring of soil organic carbon change. Trans American Geophysical Union. 91(47):441-443.

Interpretive Summary: Sequestration of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the soil helps to reduce global warming by greenhouse gases and helps to sustain the soil. Methods need to be developed to monitor changes in soil organic carbon over large areas such as the central United States. Direct measurements are accurate, but only at very small scales. Remote sensing can cover large areas at moderate resolution but the coverage stops at the soil surface. Biogeochemical models of soil carbon dynamics can be used to connect the two scales, but need to be modified to accept remote sensing inputs.

Technical Abstract: Sequestration of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the soil helps to reduce global warming by greenhouse gases and helps to sustain the soil. Methods need to be developed to monitor changes in soil organic carbon over large areas such as the central United States. Direct measurements are accurate, but only at very small scales. Remote sensing can cover large areas at moderate resolution but the coverage stops at the soil surface. Biogeochemical models of soil carbon dynamics can be used to connect the two scales, but need to be modified to accept remote sensing inputs.