T101 Ecological Stoichiometry: Elemental Cycling and Biogeochemical Interactions in Ecosystem Processes
Monday, 3 November 2003
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
PRAIRIE WETLANDS OF NORTH AMERICA IMPORTANT FOR CARBON STORAGE
Paper number: T101-11
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 4:05 PM – 4:20 PM
Authors
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Ned H. Jr. EulissNorthern Prairie Wildlife Rsch Ctr, Jamestown, ND
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Alan OlnessNorth Central Soil Conservation Rsch Lab, Morris, MN
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Rhonda L. McDougalInstitute for Wetlands and Waterfowl Rsch, Stonewall, MB
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Henry R. MurkinInstitute for Wetlands and Waterfowl Rsch, Stonewall, MB
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Richard D. RobartsNational Water Rsch Institute, Saskatoon, SK
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Richard A. BourbonniereNational Water Rsch Institute, Burlington, ON
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Barry G. WarnerUniv of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
Abstract
We evaluated the potential of prairie pothole wetlands in North America to store atmospheric carbon. Wetland restoration in this region has potential to sequester over twice the organic carbon as no-till cropland on about 23% of the total land area in the region. Wetland restoration typically involves reestablishment of adjacent grassland that provides additional carbon storage. Although studies for North America are lacking, research from a similar geographic area in Germany suggests that wetland restoration may result in reduced emission of methane and nitrous oxide.