Analysis of soil carbon storage and carbon sequestration potential of permanent pastures for beef cattle at Zamorano, Honduras
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2023
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Zamorano: Escuela Agrícola Panamericana
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Agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Various strategies have been implemented to mitigate this, including grazing systems for beef production and soil carbon (C) sequestration. The potential of these alternatives has not been quantified in the permanent pastures of Zamorano, so the objective of this study was to analyze the soil carbon content and carbon sequestration potential through permanent pasture management for beef cattle during the dry season. Carbon in dry biomass (DM) was estimated using the removal factor of 0.47 ton C/ton DM of aboveground biomass from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines. Soil organic carbon (SOC) content was determined using the Walkley-Black and loss weight on ignition method. Roots were analyzed using WinRHIZO® to measure length and volume. Normality tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and least significant difference (LSD) Fischer tests and measures of central tendency were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that beef cattle pasture in Monte Redondo, sequestered approximately 7,135 ton of carbon in biomass during the dry season. Grazed plots showed higher SOC compared to plots used to harvest hay to feed the cattle suggesting the potential for carbon incorporation through cattle manure. The study showed that SOC content was influenced by soil depth and root growth, with the top 5 cm of soil having a higher concentration of volatile matter (VM). These findings emphasize the importance of managed pastures in carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation. The implementation of grazing systems and the consideration of soil depth and root growth in the selection of pasture species can contribute to enhanced carbon storage in agricultural systems.
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Carbon sequestration, climate change, grazing systems, greenhouse gasses, soil organic carbon