Potential for carbon sequestration in Eastern African grasslands

The review article “Potential for soil organic carbon sequestration in grasslands in East African countries” by Bezaye Tessema et al (CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land & Ecosystems) published in 2020 in Grassland Science, summarises quantitative studies on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in grasslands in six Eastern African countries (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda). Grasslands occupy almost half of the world’s land area and make up about 70% of all agricultural land, but their potential for SOC sequestration is largely unknown. Grasslands have great potential to sequester SOC due to their fast establishment, growth and perennial biomass production. Increasing SOC stocks improve soil fertility and contribute to climate change mitigation by binding atmospheric CO₂.

The authors found big variations in reported SOC sequestration rates and a very low number of relevant studies. This can lead to biased and uncertain estimates of SOC sequestration potential. Grazing management reportedly had considerable impact on SOC sequestration rates. The effects of grass type and management practices on SOC storage potential need to be fully quantified, including extending soil sampling to greater depths and under deep‐rooted perennial grasses. Ways of stabilising carbon stored in soils need to be identified so that it is not released by management‐induced disturbances.

Posted on 14 February 2020 in Pastoralism & Climate Change, Pastoralism & Natural Resources