Net Negative global warming potential by Nutrient Management in Arid Cropland in China

Soil organic carbon is generally very low in arid and extremely arid areas due to harsh environmental conditions and low precipitation. However, human management can alter the soil profile, making it more hospital for growth and increasing soil carbon in the process. In arid agriculture in China this human management includes drip irrigation, mulch filming and integration with animal agriculture. Research has shown lower greenhouse gas emissions from arid croplands compared to other climatic conditions. Between lower greenhouse gas emissions and potential for increased soil carbon sequestration due to improved environmental conditions, arid croplands present one of the ecosystems with the greatest potential global cooling effects.