Carbon Flux As Affected By Different Winter Cover Crops
Author(s)
Date Issued
2022
Type
conferenceObject
Volume
51
Abstract
The composition of the environment we are living in is greatly influenced by agricultural activities. The process of sequestration of atmospheric gases and release of GHG's into the atmosphere through agricultural activities holds a significant role in shaping the future environmental conditions. The CO2 sequestration through sustainable agriculture practices is imperative to the maintenance of the ecosystems and agroecosystems for the wellbeing of all living things. The use of winter cover crops in the Mediterranean environment has many beneficial roles in improving agroecological conditions through the release of essential nutrients and CO2 sequestration with other atmospheric gases. The use of cover crops can ultimately increase the carbon sinks in the soil and this phenomenon will help in mitigating the effects of climate change and global warming (Mancinelli et al., 2019). The most common and effective cover crops in use include: vetch (Vicia sativa L.), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.), and mustard (Brassica juncea L.). All these cover crops are rapidly growing high biomass plants that improve soil health, reduce soil erosion, suppress weeds, add nutrients, etc. The objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of these cover crops in the carbon stock during growing cycle.
Conference(s)
SIA 2022