How does carbon get stored in the soil?
For atmospheric carbon dioxide to become soil carbon, it first needs to be captured by green plants in photosynthesis. Much of this carbon is released right back into the air by respiration or decay of plant material. But some of it can become soil organic matter. Perennial grasses, for example, periodically shed their roots into the soil. These dead roots feed complex soil foodwebs, and soil organic matter and humus can be the stable result. Also, these grasses exude carbohydrates into the rooting zone, typically at night, which feed complex foodwebs. For some lively explanations from Dr. Christine Jones, see http://managingwholes.com/new-topsoil.htm and http://www.carbonfarmersofamerica.com/Jones1.
For atmospheric carbon dioxide to become soil carbon, it first needs to be captured by green plants in photosynthesis. Much of this carbon is released right back into the air by respiration or decay of plant material. But some of it can become soil organic matter. Perennial grasses, for example, periodically shed their roots into the soil. These dead roots feed complex soil foodwebs, and soil organic matter and humus can be the stable result. Also, these grasses exude carbohydrates into the rooting zone, typically at night, which feed complex foodwebs. For some lively explanations from Dr. Christine Jones, see http://managingwholes.com/new-topsoil.htm and http://www.carbonfarmersofamerica.com/Jones1.htm Elaine Ingham’s Soil Biology Primer.
