Carbon cycling and sequestration opportunities in temperate grasslands

Carbon cycling and C sequestration opportunities in temperate grasslands are addressed. A simple two-parameter exponential model is fitted to data from the literature to assess soil organic C fluxes stemming from land use change and from grassland management. C fluxes are also considered within the context of farming systems, including manure applications and crop-grass rotations. Simulations show that the greenhouse gas balance of pastures may differ by several tons of carbon dioxide-C equivalent/ha from the C balance. Restoration of grasslands and extensification of intensive herbivore breeding systems are likely to provide C sequestration opportunities.