Challenges and opportunities for carbon sequestration in grassland systems A technical report on grassland management and climate change mitigation

I n t e g r a t e d C r o p M a n a g e m e n t Vol. 9–2010 the designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations (FAo) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. the mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAo in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. All rights reserved. FAo encourages reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product. Non-commercial uses will be authorized free of charge. reproduction for resale or other commercial purposes, including educational purposes, may incur fees. Executive summary ChApteR 1 Introduction ChApteR 2 Background Grasslands cover broad areas, contribute substantially to livelihoods and are vulnerable Grasslands are intensively used and degradation is widespread ChApteR 3 Opportunities Carbon sequestration in grasslands Reduced carbon emissions through reduced grassland degradation Practices that sequester carbon in grasslands often enhance productivity Practices that sequester carbon in grasslands can enhance adaptation to climate change Potential income for practices that sequester carbon ChApteR 4 Challenges Developing workable policies and incentives is difficult Demonstrating additionality is a formidable challenge Carbon sequestered in grassland systems is subject to reversals Well-intentioned policies do not necessarily lead to good practices Land tenure and governance issues complicate policy implementation Systems for documenting carbon stock changes have not been agreed upon Practice-based estimates of soil carbon sequestration Combining measurement with mechanistic modelling Data on management impacts on carbon stocks are limited in developing countries ChApteR 5 The way forward Foundations for sound policies Grassland carbon sequestration in context Research priorities RefeRenCes ACknowledgements poliCy bRief Vol. 9–2010 v exeCUtIVe SUMMAry Implementing grassland management practices that increase carbon uptake by increasing productivity or reducing carbon losses (e.g. through high rates of offtake) can lead to net accumulation of carbon in grassland soils – sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2). Globally, the potential to sequester carbon by improving grassland practices or rehabilitating degraded grasslands is substantial – of the same order as that of agricultural and forestry sequestration. Because practices …