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Project Code [2005-S-MS-26-M1]
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Project title
Measurement and Modelling of Soil Carbon Stocks and Stock Changes in Irish Soils
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University College Cork (UCC)
Lead Applicant
Gerard Kiely
Project Abstract
The overall objective of this project was to estimate the soil carbon stocks in representative Irish soils and to model soil carbon cycling in Irish grasslands in order to estimate the potential for carbon sequestration in Irish grassland soils under contemporary and future management and climatic conditions.The Specific objectives were:1. To carry out a literature review of past and current Irish (and international) research in relation to SOC turnover.2. To measure soil carbon stocks to a depth of 50cm at 50 sites (within the 1300 sites NSD sites) throughout Ireland and to use this data to develop a quantitative assessment of SOC stocks in Irish soils. In addition a further 10 peatland sites to be assessed.3. To measure a range of key soil properties at 10 grassland sites to a depth of 50 cm (bulk density texture SOC and slow active and passive SOC fractions.4. To carry out an intensive soil sampling campaign at the Dripsey grassland in order to test the detectability of soil carbon stock changes using conventional soil sampling techniques. 5. In streams adjacent to 60 soil sites to sample surface waters for a period of one year and to analyse for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to determine the extent of carbon lost in stream flow. 6. To integrate farm level SOC and other soils data into SOM models (e.g. CENTURY RothC PaSim DnDc). To determine the most suitable of these models for further development at the national scale. 7. To analyse the finding in the context of UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol.8. To prepare a final report.The DOC component was not in the initial proposal but was recommended by the reviewers of the proposal and was therefore included in a second issue of the proposal.
Grant Approved
�286,628.00
Research Hub
Natural Environment
Research Theme
Soils and Land-Use
Initial Projected Completion Date
n/a