Use of trees as sinks could be a mistake

A new study has cast doubt over the use of trees as sinks, revealing that some grasslands are more effective, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.


Scientists from Duke University in the US have found that trees and shrubs growing in high rainfall areas store less carbon than the vegetation and soil in grassland habitats. However, in drier sites woody vegetation was found to be the most effective.

“Grasses are deceptively productive,” Robert Jackson, lead author of the study, is reported as saying. “You don’t see where all the carbon goes so there is a misconception that woody species store more carbon. That’s just not always the case.”

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