Cattle and carbon: Introduction and basics

Authors: Franzluebbers, Alan

Submitted to: Trade Journal Publication
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/29/2024
Publication Date: 9/2/2024
Citation: Franzluebbers, A.J. 2024. Cattle and carbon: Introduction and basics. Trade Journal Publication. Vol. 38, Issue 9, p. 20-21.

Interpretive Summary: Carbon is the key biochemical ingredient of life. An ARS scientist in Raleigh North Carolina described how carbon is consumed and transformed into different byproducts through the global carbon cycle. This article is the first of an educational series targeting cattle producers as the primary audience in the monthly North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association trade journal. Educational information is needed at all levels to help overcome society’s penchant for large carbon dioxide emissions. Greater plant productivity can be one strategy to increase atmospheric carbon dioxide drawdown. More efficient cycling and storage in soil will be another approach to limit emissions to the atmosphere. Farmers will benefit from better understanding of the basic principles of the carbon cycle.

Technical Abstract: Carbon is the key biochemical ingredient of life. An ARS scientist in Raleigh North Carolina described how carbon is consumed and transformed into different byproducts through the global carbon cycle. This article is the first of an educational series targeting cattle producers as the primary audience in the monthly North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association trade journal. Educational information is needed at all levels to help overcome society’s penchant for large carbon dioxide emissions. Greater plant productivity can be one strategy to increase atmospheric carbon dioxide drawdown. More efficient cycling and storage in soil will be another approach to limit emissions to the atmosphere. Farmers will benefit from better understanding of the basic principles of the carbon cycle.