Carbon cycling and sequestration opportunities in temperate grasslands

• Published in: Soil use and management Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 219 - 230
• Main Authors: Soussana, J.-F., Loiseau, P., Vuichard, N., Ceschia, E., Balesdent, J., Chevallier, T., Arrouays, D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-06-2004
• ISSN: 0266-0032; 1475-2743
• DOI: 10.1079/SUM2003234

Carbon cycling and C sequestration opportunities in temperate grasslands are addressed. A simple two-parameter exponential model is fitted to data from the literature to assess soil organic C fluxes stemming from land use change and from grassland management. C fluxes are also considered within the context of farming systems, including manure applications and crop-grass rotations. Simulations show that the greenhouse gas balance of pastures may differ by several tons of carbon dioxide-C equivalent/ha from the C balance. Restoration of grasslands and extensification of intensive herbivore breeding systems are likely to provide C sequestration opportunities.