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Project Code [2023IE-NZ480]
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Project title
Proximal sensing for near real-time monitoring of soil organic carbon pools for climate smart management
Primary Funding Agency
DAFM
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
Lead Organisation
Teagasc
Lead Applicant
Not listed
Project Abstract
Meeting challenges around climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability relies on our ability to enhance soil carbon (SOC) sequestration. Soil is the largest biogeochemically active pool of carbon on Earth, and national and EU targets seek to increase SOC sinks by enhancing sequestration. SOC is often cited as the single best indicator of ecosystem status, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in soils is often referred to as the most sensitive indicator to changes in ecosystem function. SOC is variable in its distribution and dynamics and effective management of mineral and organic soils requires capturing the spatial variability and distribution of SOC and DOC. Furthermore, SOC can be distinguished into distinct pools of dissolved, labile and stable SOC, and the stability and long-term storage of which is influenced by other soil attributes such as clay and silt, and mineral associations. It is critical to be able to identify and track where and how much SOC can be stabilised and stored in soils, and DOC loss minimised. While essential for emissions trading and carbon budgeting, collecting DOC and SOC data for carbon sequestration potential at depths across wide spatial scales is costly and time consuming. Recent advances in proximal soil and water sensing offers a more affordable solution, delivering immediate results, but necessitate the development of algorithms and procedures for monitoring, reporting and verifying (MRV) soil carbon data. PRISM will develop proximal sensing tools for monitoring and assessment of SOC pools and DOC loss in farm landscapes. This will allow for higher spatial and temporal resolution measurements for baseline soil carbon data and continuous DOC monitoring, to identify pools associated with sequestration and DOC loss. Sensed data will be integrated in a user-friendly dashboard to allow farmers to quickly and intuitively identify climate smart management opportunities.
Grant Approved
�809,607.00
Research Hub
Climate Change
Research Theme
1. Carbon Stocks, GHG Emissions, Sinks and Management Options
Initial Projected Completion Date
31/03/2028