The health of our planet hinges on a tiny but powerful component: soil. Yes, that earth beneath our feet plays a crucial role in fighting climate change. It can store more carbon than the atmosphere and helps absorb greenhouse gases released by burning fossil fuels.
A recent study highlights that soil organic carbon is over three times more abundant than atmospheric carbon. This means healthier soil could significantly help lower carbon levels in our air. But how can we make our soil better at this vital task?
Plants are key players here. Through photosynthesis, they convert carbon dioxide into solid carbon, which they store in their roots, stems, and leaves. When plants die and decompose, they contribute to soil carbon, known as Particulate Organic Matter (POM). However, POM doesn’t last long in the soil. Microbes quickly break it down and release carbon back into the atmosphere.
In contrast, roots also exude organic materials that latch onto soil minerals. This more durable carbon, known as Mineral-associated Organic Matter, can remain in the soil for decades—making it a much better option for long-term carbon storage.
Different ecosystems, like grasslands and forests, have varying abilities to store carbon. Grasslands, for instance, can send over 60% of their carbon underground, while forests do around 20%. This means grassy areas are incredibly efficient at storing long-lasting carbon, which is a hopeful statistic for regions like India, where grasslands cover about 10% of the land.
Unfortunately, these natural grasslands have often been misunderstood as “wastelands” and targeted for tree-planting efforts. While planting trees has become popular, especially in promoting environmental awareness, it may not be the best move for grasslands. Introducing trees can disrupt native species and undermine essential services like groundwater recharge, soil erosion control, and livestock grazing. Shallow-rooted plants, like those in grasslands, do better at these tasks than deep-rooted trees.
A recent study in the journal Weather warned that our planet’s capacity to absorb carbon is declining. This puts us at risk of climate collapse if we don’t approach restoration more thoughtfully. Simply pushing for tree planting in grasslands might do more harm than good. Instead, we should focus on protecting and enhancing our existing grasslands and their soil.
Experts recommend revising policies and educating stakeholders on the importance of these ecosystems. They already play a vital role in absorbing greenhouse gases, making them essential allies in the fight against climate change.
Dr. Jobin Varughese, a researcher at the National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bangalore, emphasizes that the soil beneath grasslands is a natural solution to climate issues. We need to appreciate and preserve these ecosystems to combat global warming effectively.
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