| The current increase in greenhouse gas emissions has lead to global warming (Houghton, 1997). Currently, about 30 Gt. (10{dollar}sp{lcub}15{rcub}{dollar} grams) of soil carbon exchange with the atmosphere every year, leading us to believe that soil has the potential to alter atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. This research shows that CO{dollar}sb2{dollar} fertilization may stimulate NPP increasing soil carbon storage, thus lowering the amount of carbon dioxide that is present in the atmosphere. Usually, cultivation decreases soil carbon storage. However, this research suggests that by applying new management techniques we can increase soil carbon sequestration in cultivated land. Hence, changing land-use can create a negative feedback to global warming. Methane, a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, might be a key determinant in the warming of our planet in the future. A flux chamber and a gas chromatograph system were designed to determine sources or sinks of methane from soil. An increased understanding of soil carbon dynamics and factors that influence methane fluxes will improve future predictions of atmospheric concentrations of CO{dollar}sb2{dollar} and CH{dollar}sb4{dollar}. |
