Comparing soil carbon of short rotation poplar plantations with agricultural crops and woodlots in north central United States

Abstract

Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) has increased dramatically since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution as a result of human activities (Keeling and others 1995, Houghton and others 2001). The primary cause of CO₂ increases are worldwide fossil fuel burning, biomass burning, and cement manufacturing. These activities are, in turn, tied to the expanding world population and a rising demand for energy. If the stead increase of CO₂ continues, there may be profound effects on the environment and the world economy from a "greenhouse effect" that has led to global warming of the atmosphere (Houghton and others 2001).

Keywords

Carbon sequestration, hybrid poplar, switchgrass, soil bulk density, bioenergy, climate change

Citation

Coleman, Mark D.; Isebrands, J.G.; Tolsted, David N.; Tolbert, Virginia R. 2004. Comparing soil carbon of short rotation poplar plantations with agricultural crops and woodlots in north central United States. Environmental Management 33(1): S299-S308