The soil only discharges without carbon storage

According to a new study, rising CO2 in the air can turn soil in a potentially carbon-containing reservoir into a source of CO2 emissions by stimulating the bacteria that release this gas.

According to a new study, increasing amounts of CO2 in the air can turn soil in a potentially carbon-containing reservoir into a source of carbon dioxide emissions by stimulating the bacteria to release this gas.

Research published in the latest issue of the National Institute of Science's journal of data reveals that disturbing microbial activity in the soil to prevent this effect can help stabilize carbon dioxide in the gas. and slowing down the process of global warming.

Previous studies have demonstrated that CO 2 increases plant growth, so plants absorb CO 2 and soil as an excess carbon reservoir.

However, the study also found that doubling the level of CO 2 in the ecosystem actually reduced the amount of carbon dioxide accumulated in the soil despite increased plant growth.

Picture 1 of The soil only discharges without carbon storage

New research suggests that soil cannot always be a carbon reservoir (Photo: Derek Jensen)

Research director Dr Patrick Megonigal of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Maryland said we think higher growth plants with increased CO 2 levels will add more carbon to the soil or at least leave a similar amount. self

However, it is still necessary to consider the third possibility that carbon is already available in the soil and will be released back into the atmosphere like the greenhouse gas. And the rising amount of CO 2 increases microbial activity in the soil, leading to decomposition of organic matter and carbon dioxide emissions.

Researchers have found many fungi and enzymatic activity levels that lower carbon levels in soils containing high levels of CO 2 .

The study compared the soil samples in Florida's dense oak ecosystem for about 6 years. Experts found that the amount of carbon dioxide lost in the soil is not 50% of the additional CO2 absorbed by plants.

Dr. Megonigal added that because soil carbon loss is caused by soil microbial impact, research highlights the importance of recognizing these tiny matter and their reaction to the amount CO 2 increases and climate change heats up. Dr. intends to conduct further research on changes in bacterial activity and its scope in other forests.

Anh Phuong

Update 16 December 2018
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