Abstract
The objective of this chapter is to summarize the findings of the existing literature that studies carbon (C) flux in turfgrass systems. First, studies that evaluate C in the unique parts of the turfgrass system (thatch, specialized stems, clippings, verdure) are relatively scant, with the majority of those few studies focusing on C removal via clipping harvest. In the published literature, average estimates of C in turfgrass verdure (stubble), roots, and underlying soil organic C and inorganic C are 100, 139, 4,300 and 9,000 g m−2, respectively. The degree of C storage in soil varies with the age of the turfgrass sward and its management, and only one published paper has examined differences due to grass species. The very few studies that attempt to quantify C flux in turfed systems indicate that mowing (including the harvest and removal of C in clippings) most affected C release from the turfgrass system. The impact of turfgrass management practices, especially mowing, N fertilization, and irrigation, on C sequestration is the area which needs greatest study. Such work is especially needed in long-term studies with a greater variety of turfgrass species.
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Guertal, E.A. (2012). Carbon Sequestration in Turfed Landscapes: A Review. In: Lal, R., Augustin, B. (eds) Carbon Sequestration in Urban Ecosystems. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2366-5_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2366-5_10
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