Carbon Stocks Research Articles

Conservation agriculture enhances crop productivity and soil carbon fractions in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

This study evaluates the impact of conservation agriculture (CA) on soil carbon sequestration and crop productivity in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, focusing on short-term effects over 3 and 5 years. Conducted at two distinct sites, Karnal and Samastipur, the research compares zero tillage, permanent raised beds, and conventional tillage systems across diverse cropping patterns. Initial findings after 3 years showed no significant differences in carbon and nitrogen stocks at Karnal, while Samastipur’s maize-mustard-mungbean rotation on permanent raised beds showed increased carbon stocks. Notably, after 5 years, significant differences in soil carbon stocks emerged at both sites, with improved organic matter input indicated by coarse particulate organic matter (cPOM) formation. The study confirms the potential of POXC and POC as early indicators for carbon sequestration in CA systems, highlighting the role of CA practices in enhancing soil health and crop productivity sustainably.

The Use of the Data Envelopment Analysis–Malmquist Approach to Measure the Performance of Digital Transformation in EU Countries

Currently, the process of the digital transformation of EU countries is very important and often discussed. It will not only bring new opportunities for companies and the broader population but will also enable the transition to a more ecological economy. An important goal is to speed up the digitalization processes taking place in companies. It is very important to use already established digitalization elements more efficiently. This also resulted in the motivation for the given research. The aim of this paper is to quantify the change in the efficiency of the digital transformation of EU countries. As part of this research, the Variable Returns to Scale Data Envelopment Analysis (VRS DEA) model and the Malmquist index (MI) based on the DEA approach were applied. The results of the model made it possible to assess how the changes in technical efficiency and technological changes contributed to the changes in efficiency. The long-term theoretical added value of this paper lies in its proposal for countries and their governments to monitor not only the number of introduced digital elements, but also the efficiency of their use relative to some aggregate output; for example, GDP (Gross Domestic Product) or unemployment rate. The added value of this research is that less developed countries use digitalization elements more effectively than developed countries.

How Can Land Use Management in Traditional Cultural Landscapes Become a Policy Instrument for Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change Mitigation? A Transylvanian Case Study

Changes in land use from high-nature-value grasslands to arable fields reduce the organic carbon stock in soil, increasing atmospheric carbon concentrations. Maintaining grasslands through traditional agricultural techniques can mitigate climate change by transferring atmospheric carbon to the soil. Benefits of soil organic carbon sequestration include improved soil properties and enhanced ecosystem services and biodiversity. With Romania’s ratification of the Paris Agreement, it is crucial to review climate-related agricultural policies and incentivize carbon sequestration practices in organic soils. This paper presents a soil carbon study in Transylvania’s Târnava Mare region, Romania, known for its preserved cultural landscapes. Soil samples were taken at a depth of 60 cm to assess organic carbon pools under grassland and arable land management across three soil classes: Cernisoils, Hidrisoils, and Luvisoils. Several statistical tests were applied to evaluate the most significant drivers of soil organic carbon sequestration including land use, soil class, and soil depth. The results indicate that land management has the largest impact, with grasslands storing 45% more carbon than arable land on average. This finding should be integrated into national climate action plans, prioritizing the preservation of grasslands and sustainable agricultural practices to support soil organic carbon sequestration.

Long-term carbon storage in shelf sea sediments reduced by intensive bottom trawling

AbstractBottom trawling represents the most widespread anthropogenic physical disturbance to seafloor sediments on continental shelves. While trawling-induced changes to benthic ecology have been widely recognized, the impacts on long-term organic carbon storage in marine sediments remains uncertain. Here we combined datasets of sediment and bottom trawling for a heavily trawled region, the North Sea, to explore their potential mutual dependency. A pattern emerges when comparing the surface sediment organic carbon-to-mud ratio with the trawling intensity represented by the multi-year averaged swept area ratio. The organic carbon-to-mud ratio exhibits a systematic response to trawling where the swept area ratio is larger than 1 yr−1. Three-dimensional physical–biogeochemical simulation results suggest that the observed pattern is attributed to the correlated dynamics of mud and organic carbon during transport and redeposition in response to trawling. Both gain and loss of sedimentary organic carbon may occur in weakly trawled areas, whereas a net reduction of sedimentary organic carbon is found in intensely trawled grounds. Cessation of trawling allows restoration of sedimentary carbon stock and benthic biomass, but their recovery occurs at different timescales. Our results point out a need for management of intensely trawled grounds to enhance the CO2 sequestration capacity in shelf seas.

Green Economy Promotes Stability in Developing Countries

Green Economy Promotes Stability in Developing Countries

Interaction of Climate Change and Green Stocks on Economic Growth in ASEAN-5

Research Originality: This study presents a new interaction of climate change in moderating the effect of green stocks, exchange rates, and net exports on economic growth in ASEAN-5 countries. Research Objectives: This study aims to analyze the interaction of climate change on green stocks, exchange rates, and net exports on economic growth in ASEAN-5 countries. Research Methods: This study used quarterly panel data from ASEAN-5 countries, 2016-2022, and selected a fixed effects model as the best model. The moderated regression analysis (MRA) approach supports this research.Empirical Results: The results showed that green stocks, exchange rates, and net exports positively affect economic growth in ASEAN-5 countries. The interaction of climate change on green stocks and exchange rates has a negative effect on economic growth. However, the interaction of climate change on net exports positively affects economic growth in ASEAN-5 countries. It represents that climate change can weaken the effect of green stocks and exchange rates on economic growth. Meanwhile, climate change can strengthen the effect of net exports on economic growth in ASEAN-5 countries. Implications: This study implies that the government needs to increase investment in green stocks to support financing that can mitigate climate change and develop net exports to increase economic growth toward a green economy. Similarly, the ASEAN-5 central banks, as monetary authorities, can maintain exchange rate fluctuations to achieve stable economic growth.JEL Classification: F31, F43, G11, Q54, Q56

Dynamic Changes in and Driving Factors of Soil Organic Carbon in China from 2001 to 2020

It remains unclear what changes have occurred in the distribution pattern of and trend in soil organic carbon (SOC) in China against the background of climate and land use change. Clarifying the dynamic changes in SOC and their driving factors in different regions of China is therefore crucial for assessing the global carbon cycle. In this study, we collected and supplemented a large amount of soil organic carbon density (SOCD) data in China from 2001 to 2020 and extracted data on environmental covariates (ECs) for the corresponding years. A random forest model was used to estimate the SOCD at a depth of 0–20 cm and 0–100 cm in China for the years 2001, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, and we explored the trend of SOCD changes and their key driving factors. The results showed the following: (1) Compared with previous studies, the predictive ability of the 0–100 cm depth model was greatly improved; the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.61 and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (LCCC) was =0.76. (2) From 2001 to 2020, China’s soil organic carbon stocks (SOCS) were 38.11, 39.11, 39.88, 40.16, and 41.12 Pg C for the 0–20 cm depth and 110.49, 112.67, 112.80, 113.06, and 114.96 Pg C for the 0–100 cm depth, respectively. (3) The effects of temperature and precipitation on SOCD in China showed obvious regional variability, and land use changes had mainly positive effects on SOCD in all regions of China, which was related to the large-scale implementation of ecological protection and restoration and the policy of returning farmland to forests and grasslands in China. This study provides strong scientific support for addressing climate change and rationalizing the use of land resources.

Organic cropping systems balance environmental impacts and agricultural production

Agriculture provides food to a still growing population but is a major driver of the acceleration of global nutrient flows, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Policies such as the European Farm2Fork strategy aim to mitigate the environmental impact of land-use by fostering organic farming. To assess long-term environmental impact of organic food production we synthesized more than four decades of research on agronomic and environmental performance of the oldest system comparison experiment on organic and conventional cropping systems (DOK experiment). Two organic systems (bioorganic and biodynamic) are compared with two conventional (manure-based integrated and mineral-based) systems all with the same arable crop rotation including grass-clover, and manure from livestock integrated in all except the mineral-based system. Organic systems used 92% less pesticides and 76% less mineral nitrogen than conventional systems. Nitrogen use efficiency, that also considers biological nitrogen fixation, was above 85% for all systems. Organic fertilization with farmyard manure maintained or increased soil carbon and nitrogen stocks in the long term, especially in the biodynamic system with manure compost. Conventional mineral-based cropping reduced soil organic carbon and nitrogen stocks. Higher soil organic carbon stocks in organic cropping did not translate to increased N2O emissions, which were the main driver for 56% lower soil-based, area-scaled climate impact compared to the integrated conventional system with manure. Organic cropping systems, especially compost-based biodynamic, showed enhanced soil health, richness of micro- and macrofauna and weed species. Highest yields were achieved in integrated conventional system, with highest total nitrogen inputs and enhanced soil health compared to pure mineral fertilization. Yet, these benefits come at the cost of lower nitrogen use efficiency and higher N2O emissions. Despite a rigorous reduction of inputs yields of the organic systems achieved 85% of the conventional systems. We demonstrate at field level that organic cropping systems with reduced external nutrient inputs have less climate impact and a larger in-situ biodiversity, while providing a fertile ground for the future development of sustainable agricultural production systems.

Paradigm changes in research: Kuhn meets socio-ecological transition theory

Recent research indicates that disruptiveness in science has decreased, triggering discussions about the reason for this. Earlier Thomas Kuhn discussed why revolutions in science are slow but inevitable processes. To better understand transition processes within a scientific discipline, this article draws on a novel transition concept. The concept combines ideas about the structure of scientific revolutions with the concept of adaptive cycles. Combining these two approaches facilitates theorization of the reasons for the reduced disruptiveness at the scientific discipline (system) level. To elucidate the interplay between individuals and the scientific discipline, and thus their role in processes of scientific paradigm shifts, the new model further integrates resilience theory. Factors determining the resilience of an adaptive system explain resistance to change at individual and system levels, as well as the interplay between these two levels. The discourse between environmental and ecological economics is used to illustrate the theoretical discussion and apply the novel transition concept to a specific case. The analysis shows that institutionalization, providing better answers to anomalies, and uncovering maladaptation are key in the transition process.

DGCNN approach links metagenome-derived taxon and functional information providing insight into global soil organic carbon

Metagenomics can provide insight into the microbial taxa present in a sample and, through gene identification, the functional potential of the community. However, taxonomic and functional information are typically considered separately in downstream analyses. We develop interpretable machine learning (ML) approaches for modelling metagenomic data, combining the biological representation of species with their associated genetically encoded functions within models. We apply our methods to investigate soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. First, we combine a diverse global set of soil microbiome samples with environmental data, improving the predictive performance of classic ML and providing new insights into the role of soil microbiomes in global carbon cycling. Our network analysis of predictive taxa identified by classical ML models provides context for their ecological significance, extending the focus beyond just the most predictive taxa to ‘hidden’ features within the model that might be considered less predictive using standard methods for explainability. We next develop unique graph representations for individual microbiomes, linking microbial taxa to their associated functions directly, enabling predictions of SOC via deep graph convolutional neural networks (DGCNNs). Interpretation of the DGCNNs distinguished between the importance of functions of key individual species, providing genome sequence differences, e.g., gene loss/acquisition, that associate with SOC. These approaches identify several members of the Verrucomicrobiaceae family and a range of genetically encoded functions, e.g., related to carbohydrate metabolism, as important for SOC stocks and effective global SOC predictors. These relatively understudied but widespread organisms could play an important role in SOC dynamics globally.

On the use of isotopic differences of carbon fractions of biomass in plants to study transport flows and source-sink relations under different light conditions

It is shown that the differences in the isotopic composition of carbon in the water-soluble and water-insoluble fractions of plant leaf biomass, as well as phloem, are evolutionarily determined. They associated with metabolic reactions during assimilation and photorespiration and do not depend on the illumination mode and on the spectral ranges of headlights used in illumination. The above isotopic shifts are the cause of isotopic differences in assimilatory and photorespiratory carbon stocks that feed various metabolic processes. Due to the strict temporal and spatial organization of metabolism, carbon fluxes from the funds retain isotopic differences without complete mixing. The differences in the isotopic composition of carbon of the water-soluble fraction of biomass and carbon of phloem juice from carbon of the water-insoluble fraction are small (1–3%), but they are quite stable and easily fixed. The carbon of the water-soluble fraction is very close in isotopic composition to the carbon of the phloem and is noticeably enriched with the isotope 13C relative to the water-insoluble fraction, which makes it possible to use it as a marker in the study of assimilate transport in plants, especially during budding and fruiting. It is shown that the reason for the enrichment of autotrophic organs and tissues with isotope 12C relative to carbon of heterotrophic parts of the plant is the predominant participation in their formation of an isotopically light assimilation fund, whereas an isotopically heavy photorespiratory fund takes part in the formation of heterotrophic organs. It is shown that the manifestation of the formation of two isotopically different funds is the discovered relationship of the carbon isotope composition of leaves with their age.

Carbon Stocks in Two Aquatic Marshes on the Caribbean and Pacific Coast of Panama

Wetlands are critical ecosystems globally, boasting significant ecological and economic value. They play a crucial role in the hydrological cycle by storing water and carbon, thereby helping to mitigate climate variability. But in Panama, little is known about the carbon stored in freshwater wetlands. This research presents the estimation of the carbon stocks of two freshwater wetlands in Panama, located on both sides of the Caribbean (Portobelo) and Pacific (Tonosi) coasts. The methodology consisted of transects of 125 m and 40 m wide, with six circular plots every 25 m; in each transect, the diameter of the tree trunk was measured at breast height (1.3 m) and the species was recorded, and in the same plots, soil samples were collected in triplicate by depth intervals. The average total ecosystem carbon storage (TECS) for the aquatic wetlands of Tonosí was 106.26 ± 18.3 Mg C ha−1, and for Portobelo, it was 355.09 ± 70.02 Mg C ha−1. These recorded values can contribute to the conservation of wetlands, supporting Panama’s nationally determined NDC contributions. However, despite the acceptance that wetlands are important nature-based solutions, national data on soil carbon stocks in freshwater wetlands are still scarce and their protection should be increased.

The Impact of Digital Finance on the Efficiency of Urban Green Economy

Digital finance is a new financing model for small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals. In recent years, with the rapid development of big data, cloud service technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, it has to some extent promoted the efficient development of urban green economy. From the perspective of applying digital finance to urban enterprises and individual consumers, this study explores the important role of digital finance in enterprise investment and financing services, industrial structure upgrading, technological innovation, and the promotion of personal credit, consumption patterns, job employment, and environmental participation activities. Based on this, the impact of digital finance on the operation and efficiency improvement of urban green economy is obtained, and the problems of inadequate digital transformation and low coordination level in different industries of the city's economy are solved.

Carbon stocks in Norwegian eelgrass meadows across environmental gradients

Seagrass meadows are well-known for their capacity to capture and store blue carbon in sediments. However carbon stocks vary significantly between meadows, spanning more than three orders of magnitude on both local and global scales. Understanding the drivers of seagrass carbon stocks could help improve strategies for incorporating blue carbon into management plans. Here, we measured sediment carbon stocks in eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadows and unvegetated areas along the Norwegian coast, spanning wide gradients in temperature, wave exposure, water depth, salinity, and eelgrass biomass. Carbon stocks were generally higher in eelgrass meadows than in adjacent unvegetated areas, yet they displayed considerable variation (400 − 30 000 g C m−2 at 50 cm sediment depth) even among nearby sites. Overall, the highest carbon stocks were found in deeper, muddier, sheltered meadows near river mouths. These sites likely have the highest input and retention of carbon from different sources. Consequently, they should be prioritized as conservation targets for preserving coastal blue carbon stocks. Despite ever-increasing efforts to quantify seagrass blue carbon globally, high uncertainties still persist, partly due to differing methodologies, processes, and environmental context. Blue carbon stock estimates could be improved through the coordination of standardised mapping and sampling methods.

Assessment of Biomass, Carbon Stock and Sequestered CO2 in Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) Plantation at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University Campus, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

Carbon sequestration through tree plantation has significant role to mitigate the increasing level of CO2. Accurate measurement of carbon in teak plantations is required for estimating their contribution to global carbon stocks. The purpose of present work was to assess total biomass, carbon stock and sequestered CO2 in an 18 years old teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) plantation using allometric equations. Estimated total biomass, carbon stock and sequestered CO2 were 79.31, 37.28 and 136.66 t ha-1, respectively. Teak plantations in Chhattisgarh serve an important role in carbon sequestration, which contributes to climate change mitigation. It is a fast-growing species with robust, high-carbon wood, accumulates a substantial quantity of carbon over time. Expanding and sustaining these plants reduces atmospheric CO2 levels while also benefiting the region’s economy through timber production and forest-based livelihoods.

Impact of the Digital Economy on the Green Economy: Evidence from China

Impact of the Digital Economy on the Green Economy: Evidence from China

ENERGY SECURITY POLICY OF UKRAINE: STRATEGIC CHALLENGES AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

The issues of energy security are among the decisive factors in determining domestic and foreign policy most countries of the world. The article is devoted to the evolution of the concept of energy security of Ukraine from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. Also raised are the problematic issues of the formation of the concept of international energy security at the current stage, which poses problems of a global nature to Ukraine, taking into account the risks that arise, which are resolved through dialogue between states. Which is especially important in the conditions of Russian aggression on the territory of Ukraine. The article analyzes the practical approach to the concept of “energy security”, reveals the main concepts of “energy security”. Based on the study of the concept of energy policy of countries that are importers, exporters and countries through which energy resources are transited, an attempt is made to identify unified approaches to the content of this concept. The analysis of the current international legislation showed the absence of a single formulation of the studied concept, which is based, in our opinion, on the difference in approaches and multifacetedness. At the same time, the authors indicate the need for a scientific analysis of this concept precisely from a legal point of view, which is justified by the need for constant regulatory support of the conditions necessary to ensure energy security. The article is devoted to the description of the main renewable energy sources and their use in Ukraine, which is dictated by the energy policy. According to experts, the potential of renewable energy sources is significantly higher than the total consumption of fuel and energy resources, which can reduce emissions of the latter into the atmosphere. Therefore, the need to immediately build a “green economy” in Ukraine is substantiated. Based on the theory and taking into account the similar experience of advanced countries, the directions, planned paths and mechanisms of accelerated development of Ukraine’s energy security policy were selected.

Efficient CO2 Reduction Reaction on Cu-Decorated Biphenylene.

Developing efficient electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction into value-added products is crucial for a green economy. Inspired by the recent experimental synthesis of biphenylene (BPH) and the excellent catalytic activity of copper dispersed on two-dimensional (2D) materials, we chose to systematically investigate the pristine, defective, and Cu-decorated BPH for the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to value-added hydrocarbons. It is observed that the CO2 molecules bind weakly to the pristine BPH, indicating their chemical inertness. Carbon single-vacancy defects facilitate CO2 adsorption with a strong binding energy (Eb) of -3.23 eV, detrimental to the CO2 reduction reaction (CRR) mechanism. We have further investigated the binding energy and kinetic stability of Cu-decorated BPH as a single-atom-catalyst (SAC). The molecular dynamics simulations confirm the kinetic stability, revealing that the Cu-atom avoids agglomeration under low metal dispersal conditions. The CO2 molecule gets adsorbed horizontally on the Cu-BPH surface with a ΔEb of -0.52 eV. The CRR mechanism is investigated using two pathways beginning with two different initial states, formate (*OCOH) and carboxylic (*COOH). The formate pathway confirms the conversion of *OCOH to *HCOOH with the rate-limiting potential (UL) of 0.39 eV for the production of HCOOH, while for the carboxylic pathway, the conversion of *COH to *CHOH has a UL of 0.32 eV, eventually producing CH3OH. Our findings highlight the role of Cu-BPH as an efficient SAC for CO2 catalytic activity to C1 products, as compared to the state-of-the-art Cu, and holds promise as an electrocatalyst for CRR.

Estimation of carbon stocks in the areas of a seasonally dry tropical forest in the Brazilian semi-arid region

In addition to its ecological importance, the Caatinga biome, one of the most extensive seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTF) in the world, has a relevant socioeconomic role as it is used as a primary natural resource by local communities. However, inadequate ecosystem management practices have resulted in gradual loss of natural vegetation in this ecosystem. Carbon stock estimation is a parameter that can contribute as a support tool for managing and maintaining the few remaining natural vegetated areas. In this study, we calibrated and validated the CENTURY model to simulate carbon stocks in areas of the Caatinga, in the state of Pernambuco, and compared the predictive capacity of the CENTURY model with available estimates. In the validation dataset, the average for biomass stocks was 33.1 Mg C ha−1, this value is close to those observed in the literature for the region. The model also performed well when estimating carbon stocks in the soil (r2 = 0.79, p = 0.017). Ecosystem modeling combined with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a promising tool for estimating carbon stocks in the Caatinga, where field sampling campaigns are generally expensive and have scarce research funding opportunities. Furthermore, it also allows the evaluation of the effect of environmental changes on C stocks in long-term studies, which is essential for creating and implementing public policies to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change on the ecosystem. However, additional efforts are needed to improve C estimates, especially in areas with a strongly negative water balance.

Mapping and Identification of Ecosystem Services Hotspots in the Brazilian Pampa Biome.

The intensification and expansion of changes in land use and land cover (LULC) can reduce the availability and quality of natural habitats and ecosystem services (ES). These changes have generated environmental damage in different parts of the world, especially in biomes more susceptible to modifications, such as the Pampa biome in the extreme south of Brazil. The Pampa biome has been neglected by environmental protection laws, despite its broad ecosystem and social importance. In this study, we used InVEST models to map and quantify five ES provided (i.e., water supply, carbon stock, groundwater stock, sediment retention and habitat quality) by 14 watersheds distributed in the Brazilian Pampa biome as well as determine ES hotspots by summing the areas with high provision of ES. We identified low availability of water supply and groundwater stock in practically the entire study area. High sediment retention and carbon stock were reported in areas with the presence of native vegetation. In addition, despite the large degraded areas, we observed high habitat quality associated with native vegetation in all studied watersheds. The hotspots varied spatially in the study area according to the proposed scenarios, the supply and the overlap of ES. Scenario 1 (>50% of ES) presented a larger area of high provision of ES. In contrast, scenario 2 (>75% of ES) presented smaller patches of areas with high provision of ES distributed across different watershed. We observed that large territorial extensions with high and medium provision of ES are vulnerable to the negative effects of LULC. Our study presented scenarios that indicate areas of high provision of ES, contributing to a more practical application, being a simplified and useful tool that can assist conservation and sustainable policies.