The vicious cycle of depletion
Agricultural systems in the temperate zone tend to occupy fertile soils that would have formerly supported temperate grassland or forest. Land clearance for croplands and pasture has greatly reduced above ground carbon stocks from their original state and soil carbon stocks are also often depleted as tillage disrupts the soil, opening it to decompose organisms and generating aerobic conditions that stimulate respiration and release of carbon dioxide.
Year: 2014
From collection: The Natural Fix? - The Role of Ecosystems in Climate Mitigation
Cartographer: Riccardo Pravettoni