(NAPSA)—Storing carbon here on earth—thatis, carbon retained in plant leaves, branches, stems, and roots andin soil itself—offers dual benefits. Because it fuels plant life, food crops become more abundant, plants more lush, and farm animals and humansbetter fed. It also reduces the concentration of carbon in the earth’s atmosphere. Because land managementis crucial to successful carbon conservation (also called carbon sequestration), farmers and ranchers have a vital role to play in this new and growingfield. The agricultural practices that promote carbon conservation make good sense, too. Conservation tillage reduces soil erosion and improves soil productivity while reducing energy inputs. In addition, most scientists have come to the view that carbon dioxide emissions from all sources can be offset to a significant degree by the sequestration of car- bon in terrestrial ecosystems com- prising soils, crop lands, grazing lands and forest lands if these ecosystemsare properly managed. According to experts at the Environmental Protection Agency, What we do here on earth in the field of carbon sequestration has an effect on the amountof CQz in the atmosphere. adoption of recommended man- agement practices can enhance the soil carbon pool, and improve soil quality and productivity. Grazing lands offer similar opportunities for carbon sequestration through improved species, integrated nutrient management and controlled grazing. More information about carbon sequestration is available at www.co2Zandclimate.org.
