Project Number: 3645-12610-001-02
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jul 01, 2004
End Date: Sep 30, 2008

Objective:
a. To determine the rate of carbon sequestration in wetlands located in the prairie pothole region of the Northern Great Plains. b. To establish a reference base for the determination of the effectiveness of prairie potholes to serve as efficient sinks for atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Approach:
Soil samples from selected wetlands will be analyzed for total carbon, carbonate carbon and associated chemical and physical characteristics. Wetlands will be initially characterized and assessed again at a future date. Soil samples collected to a depth of 60-cm will be analyzed so that future profiles can be compared with the current characteristics to assure accuracy in estimates of carbon sequestration rates.