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Abstract Detail



Ecological Section

Song, Zhaoliang [1], Stromberg, Caroline [2].

The production of phytolith-occluded carbon in terrestrial ecosystems of China.

Motivated by the rapid increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and global temperature since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, many scientists including earth scientiests and ecologiests have investigated methods for long-term sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Biogeochemical carbon sequestration coupled with processed such as silicate weathering, phytolith accumulation and soil aggregation in terrestrial ecosystems is a relatively stable carbon sink mechanism that can help regulate the global carbon cycle on longer time scales. Lately, carbon occluded within plant phytoliths has emerged as a promising, stable mechanism of biogeochemical carbon sequestration. Here we summarize recent advances in phytolith carbon sequestration research in China. This work shows, that the production rates of phytolith-occluded carbon (PhytOC) among terrestrial ecosystems in China decrease as croplands>forests>grasslands. In addition, active management strategies, including partial plant harvesting, cultivating Si-accumulating plants, rock powder amendment and organic mulching to maximize aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) and silicon supply has substantial potential to increase the phytolith carbon sink. However, further research is needed to verify the exact mechanisms involved and the magnitude, and cost of these management strategies on phytolith carbon sequestration in different terrestrial ecosystems in order to make phytolith carbon sequestration a globally significant carbon sink mechanism.


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1 - Zhejiang Agricultural and Forestry University, School of Environment and Resources, School of Environment and Resources, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forestry University, No. 88 North Huancheng Road, Lin'an, ZJ, 311300, China
2 - University Of Washington, Department Of Paleobotany, 24 Kincaid Hall, Box 351800, Seattle, WA, 98195-1800, USA, 206-619-2152

Keywords:
Phytolith
carbon sink
silicon cycle
terrestrial ecosystems
China
grassland
Forest Ecosystem
cropland.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 47
Location: Clearwater/Grove
Date: Tuesday, July 29th, 2014
Time: 4:15 PM
Number: 47009
Abstract ID:666
Candidate for Awards:None

Canceled

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