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Project title

Feasibility of Grassland Soil Carbon Survey

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Cork (UCC)

Lead Applicant

Gerard Kiely

Project Abstract

We propose a desk-top study on a feasibility survey of soil carbon in Irish grasslands. We will do a literature review on the carbon sequestration of grassland soils and collate all Irish data on SOC (concentration, bulk density etc) including site information, land use history, land use management practices, site climate, etc. We will review statistical methods to enable SOC stock and stock changes to be quantified with defined precision (e.g. MDD) and assess the suitability of different methodologies (paired plots, repeat sampling, chronosequence work etc) to identify the optimum methodology for use in Irish conditions. We will evaluate the suitability of existing and new sites and identify a suite of suitable sites and measurements for a future survey. We will carry out a theoretical analysis of the controls and drivers of the equilibrium SOC rate and of the rate at which fields approach their equilibrium (saturation). We will review existing SOC models (e,g CENTURY, RothC, etc) to compliment measurements and identify the optimum model for Irish conditions, while specifying in what capacity the models would be used (e.g. fill gaps, examine climate change and land use change scenarios, etc) and compile a Final Report.

Grant Approved

�91,855.40

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Sinks, and Management Systems

Start Date

01/01/2012

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/12/2012