Carbon farming in hot, dry coastal areas: an option for climate change mitigation

Abstract

Abstract. We present a comprehensive, interdisciplinary project which demonstrates that large-scale plantations of Jatropha curcas – if established in hot, dry coastal areas around the world – could capture 17–25 t of carbon dioxide per hectare per year from the atmosphere (over a 20 yr period). Based on recent farming results it is confirmed that the Jatropha curcas plant is well adapted to harsh environments and is capable of growing alone or in combination with other tree and shrub species with minimal irrigation in hot deserts where rain occurs only sporadically. Our investigations indicate that there is sufficient unused and marginal land for the widespread cultivation of Jatropha curcas to have a significant impact on atmospheric CO2 levels at least for several decades. In a system in which desalinated seawater is used for irrigation and for delivery of mineral nutrients, the sequestration costs were estimated to range from 42–63 EUR per tonne CO2. This result makes carbon farming a technology that is competitive with carbon capture and storage (CCS). In addition, high-resolution simulations using an advanced land-surface–atmosphere model indicate that a 10 000 km2 plantation could produce a reduction in mean surface temperature and an onset or increase in rain and dew fall at a regional level. In such areas, plant growth and CO2 storage could continue until permanent woodland or forest had been established. In other areas, salinization of the soil may limit plant growth to 2–3 decades whereupon irrigation could be ceased and the captured carbon stored as woody biomass.

Comment on "Carbon farming in hot, dry coastal areas: an option for climate change mitigation" by Becker et al. (2013)

“…While clearly not the central conclusion of the study by Becker et al (2013), in view of its potential policy implications, such a statement requires a correction, since it is not consistent with our understanding of the dynamics of the global carbon cycle.…”

“…In their paper entitled "Carbon farming in hot, dry coastal areas: an option for climate change mitigation" by Becker et al (2013), the authors argue that a hypothetical afforestation of an area of 0.73 × 10 9 ha with Jatropha curcas plants would be enough to stabilise the atmospheric mixing ratio of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) at current levels. While clearly not the central conclusion of the study by Becker et al (2013), in view of its potential policy implications, such a statement requires a correction, since it is not consistent with our understanding of the dynamics of the global carbon cycle.…”

“…Becker et al (2013) argue that an afforestation of 0.73 × 10 9 ha with Jatropha curcas plants would generate an additional terrestrial carbon sink of 4.3 PgC yr −1 , enough to stabilise the atmospheric mixing ratio of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) at current levels. However, this is not consistent with the dynamics of the global carbon cycle.…”

Actividad de rizobacterias de Jatropha curcas contra Fusarium verticillioides y Leptoglossus zonatus

“…J. curcas plantations are distributed in tropical regions of America, Africa and Asia. In recent years, the species has become more important because of its potential for producing biodiesel (Basili & Fontini, 2012); reforestation of less fertile tropical soils (FresnedoRamírez & Orozco-Ramírez, 2013); establishment of extensive plantations in warm coastal, dry and marginal areas, to capture atmospheric CO 2 and climate change mitigation (Becker, Wulfmeyer, Berger, Gebel, & Münch, 2013); and recovery of degraded soils (Van Rooijen, 2014;Wani et al, 2012). Terren et al (2012) evidenced that roots, stems, branches, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds of J. curcas are affected by insects and fungi that cause phytosanitary problems.…”

“…Las plantaciones de J. curcas se distribuyen en las regiones tropicales de América, África y Asia. En los últimos años, la especie ha tenido mayor atención debido a su potencial para la producción de biodiesel (Basili & Fontini, 2012); reforestación de suelos tropicales poco fértiles (Fresnedo-Ramírez & Orozco-Ramírez, 2013); establecimiento de plantaciones extensas en zonas costeras cálidas, secas y marginales, para la captura de CO 2 atmosférico y mitigación del cambio climático (Becker, Wulfmeyer, Berger, Gebel, & Münch, 2013); y recuperación de suelos degradados (Van Rooijen, 2014;Wani et al, 2012). Terren et al (2012) evidenciaron que las raíces, tallos, ramas, hojas, flores, frutos y semillas de J. curcas son afectados por insectos y hongos que causan problemas fitosanitarios.…”