Factors determining sequestration, deposition, and carbon dioxide emissions in agrocenoses

Abstract

The conducted studies revealed the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors determining the processes of sequestration, deposition and carbon emission in agrocenoses. The natural factors should include photosynthetically active radiation, photosynthesis, weather conditions, fertility of agro-soils, biophile elements, soil microbiological activity corresponding to the pedogenic process, and relief. The sequestration process is considered to be the initial stage of the carbon cycle in the agrocenosis; it is influenced by the above-mentioned natural and anthropogenic conditions as the cultivated crop, the potential of the variety or hybrid, seeding rate, row spacing, mineral fertilizers, pesticides used, crop rotations, machinery and technologies, the farming system, cover crops, binary crops, application of organic fertilizers and biological products. Carbon deposition into the agro-soil, as well as sequestration, depends on natural and anthropogenic factors. However, the sequence of their effects is somewhat different since part of the biological products is taken out with the harvest, and the remaining on the surface and in the soil is converted into organic carbon, each according to its own scenario. Carbon deposition cannot occur without carbon dioxide emission since at this stage the remaining mortmass in the field is converted. Carbon emission should be considered as an independent process when carbon dioxide is released from the soil into the atmosphere as a result of the activity of microorganisms, root respiration and microbial decomposition. The functional range of carbon dioxide emissions in agrocenoses has its own sequence and depends on the above factors, under natural conditions it is determined by the soil-forming process, and in agrocenoses we activate or inhibit it. Thus, the regulation of sequestration, deposition and carbon emission processes in agrocenoses makes it possible to solve not only the ecological problem of the carbon cycle, but also to optimize the preservation and reproduction of fertility. Each of the above factors should be analyzed and differentiated to create optimal conditions for carbon farming.