Research Highlights Deserts' Role in Sequestering Carbon
New research by the University of California suggests we should take a harder look at the potential carbon sequestration capacity of America's deserts. According to the study, disturbing approximately 11 square miles of desert habitat could release 6,000 metric tons of carbon per year. That is roughly the equivalent of putting a fleet of 5,300 SUVs on the road, each traveling 120 miles per month. Desert plants and soil organisms take in and store tons of carbon each year. When the desert habitat is destroyed, not only does it lose its ability to capture and store carbon, but carbon locked into the soils is likely to be released. According to the study: When desert plants grow, they absorb carbon dioxide (CO2). The carbons (C), as sugars, move into the roots and soil organisms. Carbon dioxide is respired back into the soil, part of which reacts with calcium (Ca) in the soil to form calcium carbonate. This is how our deserts sequester large amounts of C and thus function to r