The Potential of U.S. Cropland to Sequester Carbon and Mitigate the Greenhouse Effect

Abstract

Objectives Basic Processes The Greenhouse Process Global Trends in Greenhouse Gas Emissions The Role of Agriculture in U.S. Emissions of Three GHGs The SOC Pool in U.S. Soils and SOC Loss from Cultivation Processes in Governing Emissions from the Pedosphere Plant Action Soil Processes Soil Quality Strategies for Mitigating Emissions from Cropland U.S. Cropland Sustainable Management Studies Soil Erosion Management Land Conversion and Restoration Conversion of Marginal Land Restoration of Degraded Soils Biofuels for Offsetting Fossil Fuel Intensification of Prime Agricultural Land Conservation Tillage and Residue Management Irrigation Water Management Improved Cropping Systems The Carbon Sequestration Potential of Arable Land U.S. Cropland's Overall Potential to Mitigate the Greenhouse Effect Techniques for Sequestration Rates of SOC Sequestration Possible Implementation Obstacles Required Action Conclusions - The Win-Win Strategy Agricultural Profits from Environmental Improvements SOC's Monetary Value SOC's Environmental Value Global Potential Appendix 1: Definitions Appendix 2: Researchable Topics