Soil organic carbon sequestration rates by tillage and crop rotation: A global data analysis
West, TO; Post, WM
| HERO ID | 4593305 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2002 |
| Title | Soil organic carbon sequestration rates by tillage and crop rotation: A global data analysis |
| Authors | West, TO; Post, WM |
| Journal | Soil Science Society of America Journal |
| Volume | 66 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Page Numbers | 1930-1946 |
| Abstract | Changes agricultural management can potentially increase the accumulation rate of soil organic C (SOC), thereby sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere. This study was conducted to quantify potential soil C sequestration rates for different crops in response to decreasing tillage intensity or enhancing rotation complexity, and to estimate the duration of time over which sequestration may occur. Analyses of C sequestration rates were completed using a global database of 67 long-term agricultural experiments, consisting of 276 paired treatments. Results indicate, on average, that a change from conventional tillage (CT) to no-till (NT) can sequester 57 +/- 14 g C m(-2) yr(-1), excluding wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-fallow systems which may not result in SOC accumulation with a change from CT to NT. Enhancing rotation complexity can sequester an average 20 +/- 12 g C m(-2) yr(-1), excluding a change from continuous corn (Zea mays L.) to corn-soybean (Glycine mar L.) which may not result in a significant accumulation of SOC. Carbon sequestration rates, with a change from CT to NT, can be expected to peak in 5 to 10 yr with SOC reaching a new equilibrium in 15 to 20 yr. Following initiation of an enhancement in rotation complexity, SOC may reach a new equilibrium in approximately 40 to 60 yr. Carbon sequestration rates, estimated for a number of individual crops and crop rotations in this study, can be used in spatial modeling analyses to more accurately predict regional, national, and global C sequestration potentials. |
| Doi | 10.2136/sssaj2002.1930 |
| Wosid | WOS:000184794400025 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |