Search the EPA Research Database

Project title

Farm-Carbon: Hedgerows and other non-forest woodland carbon

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine

Lead Organisation

Teagasc

Lead Applicant

Lilian O'Sullivan

Project Abstract

This research aims to advance understanding of the contribution of hedgerows and non-forest woodland patches (NFW) to carbon stocks in agricultural landscapes. Land use mitigation is one pathway through which Ireland can reduce emissions from the agricultural sector. Currently, hedgerows/NFW are not explicitly accounted for in national inventory reports. This work seeks to address this knowledge gap to better account for hedgerows/NFW by measuring the land use effects of hedgerows (data on single trees is already known) on carbon sequestration and stocks � including above- and below- ground biomass and soil organic carbon measurements. Biomass measurements will be compared with drone estimates to ground-truth drone approaches with actual biomass data. Widely used process-based carbon models utilising measured data will be compared for suitability for scaling potential to contribute to activity data for land use mitigation. At local scale, modelled outputs will be incorporated into a farm scale dairy systems economic and GHG model. Finally, screening tools for rapid assessments of quality/quantity of hedgerows/NFW for use by scientists/agency staff will be developed. Also, a scorecard/decision support tool for local assessments and maintenance prescriptions to maintain/enhance the benefits of these landscape elements will be developed.

Grant Approved

�249,986.64

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

Carbon Stocks, GHG Emissions, Sinks and Management Options

Start Date

31/03/2020

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/03/2022