articleScienceDec 22, 2005Closed access

Trading Water for Carbon with Biological Carbon Sequestration

RBRobert B. JacksonEGEstéban G. JobbágyRARoni AvissarSBSomnath Baidya RoyDJD. J. Barrett

Duke University · Council for Scientific and Industrial Research · +4 more institutions

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Abstract

Carbon sequestration strategies highlight tree plantations without considering their full environmental consequences. We combined field research, synthesis of more than 600 observations, and climate and economic modeling to document substantial losses in stream flow, and increased soil salinization and acidification, with afforestation. Plantations decreased stream flow by 227 millimeters per year globally (52%), with 13% of streams drying completely for at least 1 year. Regional modeling of U.S. plantation scenarios suggests that climate feedbacks are unlikely to offset such water losses and could exacerbate them. Plantations can help control groundwater recharge and upwelling but reduce stream flow and…

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Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Environmental science
  • Groundwater recharge
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Afforestation
  • STREAMS
  • Hydrology (agriculture)
  • Perennial stream
  • Groundwater
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Climate action
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