Author
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Skinner, Robert |
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Dell, Curtis |
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Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 2/9/2015 Publication Date: 7/29/2015 Citation: Skinner, R.H., Dell, C.J. 2015. Carbon sequestration potential of grazed pasture depends on prior management history[Abstract]. Proceedings Dairy Environmental Systems and Climate Adaptation Conference, Ithaca, NY. July 29-30, 2015. p. 1. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Grazed pastures are often assumed to be net sinks for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and thus, are promoted as a management practice that can help mitigate climate change. The ability to serve as a C sink is especially pronounced following a history of tillage and row crop production. Intensive management, i.e. high N inputs and frequent harvests have often been associated with net C sequestration whereas, extensive management, i.e. no fertilizer N and less frequent cuttings are associated with either no change or a non-significant loss of soil C. In general, management practices intended to increase forage production usually also increase soil C. However, the ability of soils to sequester C decreases over time as previously depleted stocks due to tillage are replenished and soils return to equilibrium conditions. In this presentation we report on biomass yield and soil C sequestration results from two long-term experiments where different management practices intended to increase pasture productivity were implemented. |
