North Central Research Station

Carbon Studies

Carbon dioxide plays a crucial role in moderating the temperature of our planet by trapping heat energy from the sun. Carbon dioxide levels have risen since the industrial period and continue to rise today. The increased levels of carbon dioxide may contribute to greater climate instability by changing temperature gradients around the globe. Because of the widespread impact, careful accounting and understanding of the net 'sinks' and 'sources' of carbon dioxide is a primary focus of the scientific community. Our research aims at understanding these sinks and sources of carbon, where they occur, and if management can affect these pools.

Understanding Carbon Pools and Processes in Peatland Landscapes - Peatlands in the northern hemisphere account for approximately 30% of the global soil carbon storage. Although modeling studies have predicted wetlands are a net sink for carbon dioxide and a net source for methane, few studies have developed a complete carbon mass balance for peatland landscapes.

Linking Fiber Production and Soil Productivity to Carbon Storage - Silviculture methods are intended to manage for fiber production and ecosystem functions to maximize and sustain productivity. However, achieving the goal of sustainable productivity may have many different approaches.

Related Studies

Understanding Carbon Pools and Processes in Peatland Landscapes Linking Fiber Production and Soil Productivity to Carbon Storage