Author
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Reicosky, Donald |
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Submitted to: Soybean Research World Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 3/5/2004 Publication Date: 3/5/2004 Citation: Reicosky, D.C. 2004. Global environmental benefits of soil carbon management: Soybean concerns. In: Moscardi, F. et al., editors. Proceedings of VII World Soybean Research World Conference, February 29-March 5, 2004, Foz do Iguassu, Brazil. p. 99-110. Interpretive Summary: The increase in the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere related to concerns about potential global warming and prospects of using soil as a sink for carbon (C) has attracted interest. Numerous environmental benefits may result from agricultural activities that sequester soil C and contribute to environmental security. As part of no-regret strategies, crop management practices that sequester soil C help reduce soil erosion and improve water quality and are consistent with more sustainable and less chemically dependent agriculture. While we learn more about soil C storage and its central role in direct environmental benefits, we must better understand soybean contributions to the secondary environmental benefits and what they mean to production agriculture. Increasing soil C storage can increase infiltration, increase fertility and nutrient cycling, decrease wind and water erosion, minimize compaction, enhance water quality, decrease C emissions, impede pesticide movement and generally enhance environmental quality. The sum of each individual benefit adds to a total package with major significance on a global scale. This information will assist scientists and engineers in developing improved tillage methods to minimize the gaseous loss and to improve soil C management. Researchers and farmers can develop and utilize new management techniques for enhancing soil C by increasing the quantity and quality of soybean residues and by changing the type and intensity of tillage. This information will be of direct benefit to the farmers to enable them to maintain crop production with minimal impact on air quality and the environment. Technical Abstract: Agricultural carbon (C) sequestration may be one of the most cost-effective ways to slow processes of global warming. Numerous environmental benefits may result from agricultural activities that sequester soil C and contribute to environmental security. As part of no-regret strategies, practices that sequester soil C help reduce soil erosion and improve water quality and are consistent with more sustainable and less chemically dependent agriculture. While we learn more about soil C storage and its central role in direct environmental benefits, we must better understand soybean contributions to the secondary environmental benefits and what they mean to production agriculture. Increasing soil C storage can increase infiltration, increase fertility and nutrient cycling, decrease wind and water erosion, minimize compaction, enhance water quality, decrease C emissions, impede pesticide movement and generally enhance environmental quality. The sum of each individual benefit adds to a total package with major significance on a global scale. Incorporating C storage in conservation planning with soybean presents some challenges, but demonstrates concern for our global resources and presents a positive role for soil C that will have a major impact on our future quality of life. |
