Carbon Sequestration and Greenhouse Gas Fluxes in Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities

CAST papers are the foundation of CAST’s science communication work. Developed by expert-led task forces, these peer-reviewed publications translate agricultural science into trusted insights that inform policy, guide public understanding, and fuel CAST programs, dialogues, and educational initiatives.

Search Publications

October 10, 2011
Task Force Report

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62300/pprdph62

Task Force Chairs

Keith Paustian

Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins

Ronald Follett

Soil Plant Nutrient Research, Ft. Collins, Colorado

Sian Mooney

Department of Economics, Boise State University, Idaho

Jack Morgan

Rangeland Resources Research Unit, Ft. Collins, Colorado

Authors

Alan J. Franzluebbers

USDA–ARS–SAA, J. Phil Campbell Sr. Natural Resource Conservation Center, Watkinsville, Georgia

Bruce A. McCarl

Department of Agricultural Economics, Texas A&M University, College Station

Charles W. Rice

Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan

G. Philip Robertson

Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners

Leon Hartwell Allen, Jr.

Chemistry Research Unit, Gainesville, Florida

Shawn Archibeque

Colorado State University, Ft. Collins

John M. Baker

University of Minnesota, St. Paul

Stephen J. Del Grosso

Soil Plant Nutrient Research, Ft. Collins, Colorado

Justin Derner

Rangeland Resources Research Unit, Cheyenne, Wyoming

Feike Dijkstra

The University of Sydney, Australia

Henry Janzen

Lethbridge Research Station, Alberta, Canada

Lyubov A. Kurkalova

North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro

Stephen Ogle

Colorado State University, Ft. Collins

William J. Parton

Colorado State University, Ft. Collins

Jeffrey M. Peterson

Kansas State University, Manhattan

Michele Schoeneberger

USDA National Agroforestry Center, Lincoln, Nebraska

Tristram O. West

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and University of Maryland, College Park

Jeff Williams

Kansas State University, Manhattan

Abstract

The need to decrease concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) in Earth's atmosphere has been identified as one of the most pressing modern-day environmental issues. Agriculture, in addition to being affected by the climate, contributes to climate change through its exchanges of GHGs with the atmosphere. This report provides up-to-date information on the science of carbon sequestration and GHG mitigation for various sectors of U.S. agriculture, including logistical and economic considerations for implementing practices designed to decrease GHG emissions from agriculture. The report draws on elements of the related 2004 CAST Task Force Report, Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation: Challenges and Opportunities for Agriculture.

Downloads & Resources

CAST Liaisons

Keith Newhouse

Land O’Lakes, Shoreview, Minnesota

Webinar

Help Support CAST!

Your donation to CAST helps support the CAST mission of communicating science to meet the challenge of producing enough food, fiber and fuel for a growing population. Every gift, no matter the size, is appreciated.

Donate Today