Do you know where your rangeland carbon is? New approach for estimating rangeland carbon stocks helps managers plan climate change mitigation strategies

Abstract

RMRS scientists have developed an approach to estimating carbon stocks in rangelands. Above- and below-ground carbon storage in rangelands can be enhanced through vegetation management that includes deep-rooted perennial herbaceous plants, drought-tolerant herbaceous plants, and diverse native plants. Soil organic matter can be increased by increasing plant ground cover to protect soil and promote the formation of organic matter. Carbon stocks can be retained by limiting soil disturbance during management operations, limiting carbon losses due to catastrophic fires, and preventing conversion to invasive nonnative annual grasses such as cheatgrass.

Citation

Reeves, Matthew C. 2021. Do you know where your rangeland carbon is? New approach for estimating rangeland carbon stocks helps managers plan climate change mitigation strategies. Science You Can Use (in 5 Minutes), November 2021. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.