Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Ioan ROTAR, Florin PĂCURAR, Marcel DÎRJA, Anca PLEȘA, Alina ȘUTEU, Ioana GHEȚE, Ferencz VAKAR
Grasslands are among the most widespread terrestrial ecosystems, covering over one-third of the Earth's surface. They play a pivotal role in carbon sequestration and the accumulation of soil organic matter (SOM), processes essential for soil fertility, biodiversity conservation, and climate regulation. The degradation and conversion of grasslands into croplands have historically contributed to significant soil organic carbon (SOC) losses, intensifying global warming. This hypothetical research paper proposes a comparative analysis of SOM dynamics between grasslands and arable lands worldwide. A standardized experimental design is outlined, involving soil sampling at two depths (0-20 cm and 20-40 cm), across three land-use types (natural grassland, degraded grassland, and arable land). Hypothetical results, based on existing literature, indicate that grassland soils retain 30-50% more SOM than arable soils, particularly in the upper soil layers. Findings emphasize the necessity of protecting grasslands through sustainable management practices such as controlled grazing, overseeding, and restoration programs. Global policies must prioritize grassland conservation to achieve soil health, food security, and climate change mitigation objectives.
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