Agronomic Interactions with CO₂ Sequestration

Glossary

Carbon sequestration:

Transfer of atmospheric CO₂ into long-lived reservoirs

Mean residence time:

The duration during which CO₂-C resides in a specific pool

Soil health:

Capacity of a soil to function as a living ecosystem and create ecosystem services

Soil quality:

Capacity of a soil to perform ecosystem services

Definition of the Subject

Atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) can be stabilized and reduced by off-setting anthropogenic emissions, sequestering emissions, or both. Emission reduction implies identifying and using no-carbon (C) or low-C energy sources as alternative to fossil fuel (i.e., wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, biofuels, nuclear). Reductions in gaseous emissions can also be achieved by enhancing the energy use efficiency. In agronomic systems, involving practices to raise crops and livestock, enhancing eco-efficiency implies a range of practices which increase agricultural productivity per unit input of energy-based resources (i.e.,...