Livestock Increase Soil Organic Carbon in the Northern Great Plains

Managing grasslands to sequester carbon is of global importance, but effects grazing on soil organic (SOC) stocks remain uncertain. We quantified livestock (grazed or not for 9−26 yr) and texture SOC (kg × m−2) 20 sites in a temperate grassland. also the concentration bulk density. Percent sand explained considerable amount variation stock (r2 = 0.45 0.59). In addition, were 12% less areas rested from (i.e., grazed) than annually grazed. Soil concentrations 10% grazed areas. Bulk density was 2% grazing, greater at with longer periods rest. detected treatment rest duration interaction, indicating that differences between treatments tended be Compared no moderate increase concentrations. Although compaction density) generally regarded as an indicator declining health, minor may help reduce mineralization ultimately stocks. discuss methodological improvements needed next generation land experiments better resolve how best manage carbon.