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Potential of rangelands to sequester carbon in Alberta

Description

Large amounts of organic carbon are present in Alberta rangelands. One hectare of rangeland contains 50-200 tonnes of carbon in soil organic matter, 2-10 tonnes carbon in plant biomass and 1-2... More ≫

Description

Large amounts of organic carbon are present in Alberta rangelands. One hectare of rangeland contains 50-200 tonnes of carbon in soil organic matter, 2-10 tonnes carbon in plant biomass and 1-2 tonnes carbon in litter. Total organic carbon levels in rangeland soils are considerably greater than the amount of carbon present in the atmosphere above these soils or exchanged with the atmosphere each year. Total organic carbon in the 7 million hectares of native pasture in Alberta is equivalent to about three times the current annual emissions of all greenhouse gases in Canada.

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