Title

Comparison of soil carbon dioxide efflux between residential lawns and corn fields

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Soil Science Society of America Journal

Publication Date

5-1-2013

Abstract

Soil carbon dioxide efflux is impacted by urbanization but few studies have directly examined it in contrasting human-dominated land uses. We tested the hypothesis that soil carbon dioxide efflux would be greater in residential lawns than corn fields in Lancaster County, PA, by measuring soil carbon dioxide efflux, soil temperature, and soil moisture once a week for 10 wk in the fall of 2011. Soil carbon dioxide efflux occurring in residential lawns was significantly higher (F1,6= 7.46, p = 0.034) than the levels in corn (Zea mays L.) fields for the duration of the study. Soil carbon dioxide efflux significantly decreased over time in both land-use types (F9,54 = 37.34, p < 0.001). Soil temperature, soil moisture, and land-use type significantly contributed to the efflux (R2 = 0.744, F3,76 = 73.443, p < 0.001). Higher soil temperatures in residential lawns were attributed to an urban heat island. Our results suggest converting agricultural land to residential developments could increase soil carbon dioxide release per unit area of soil, especially if urbanization increases local soil temperatures. © Soil Science Society of America.

Volume

77

Issue

3

First Page

856

Last Page

859

DOI

10.2136/sssaj2012.0346N

ISSN

03615995

E-ISSN

14350661

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