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The carbon sequestration dilemma in rice soils
Friday, 2018/12/21 | 08:02:07
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Pauline Chivenge and Bjoern Ole Sander | IRRI Dec 10, 2018
Is it possible to sequester carbon in rice soils while reducing greenhouse gas emissions? What are the trade-offs and synergies between soil organic carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions?
Figure: Organic matter decomposition in submerged soils is slower than in upland soils. The decomposition of organic matter under submerged conditions is largely anaerobic and results in the production of methane compared to mostly carbon dioxide gas under aerobic conditions. (Photo by Isagani Serrano, IRRI)
Soil organic carbon is an important component of the global carbon cycle as it constitutes the largest pool of terrestrial carbon, which is approximately two and three times that in the atmosphere and vegetation, respectively. Intensive cropping systems are typically depleted of soil organic carbon, containing 25-75% of that in natural ecosystems. Hence, there is vast potential and need to increase storage, i.e., the sequestration of carbon, in these systems through the implementation of best-fit management practices depending on local conditions.
The sequestration of carbon in soils is generally considered a win-win situation because it mitigates greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Additionally, soil organic carbon is a measure of soil quality and gives an indication of sustainability in cropping systems. Soil organic carbon is a major component of soil organic matter, which is important for the supply of plant nutrients.
However, there are different opinions on the importance of soil organic carbon for lowland rice soils. While soil organic carbon sequestration can be considered important on one hand, increased greenhouse gas emissions associated with increased soil organic carbon can be detrimental to climate change mitigation.
The role of soil organic carbon in lowland flooded rice soils has not been prioritized because the potential to sequester carbon in these ecosystems has been considered to be less important compared with the need to reduce methane emissions for climate change mitigation. However, global efforts are increasingly promoting soil organic carbon sequestration in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to enhance food security and mitigate climate change. …. Climate change mitigation strategies should aim to answer these questions: Is it possible to simultaneously sequester carbon in rice soils and reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Can the carbon sequestration-greenhouse gas reduction benefits be achieved concurrently? Are we chasing contradictory aims?
Considering all these issues, dynamics, and realities careful analyses of the trade-offs and synergies between soil organic carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions is a fundamental step in genuine climate mitigation. Otherwise, mitigation initiatives would remain to be square pegs in round holes.
See more: http://ricetoday.irri.org/the-carbon-sequestration-dilemma-in-rice-soils/
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