Sustainable carbon dioxide sequestration as soil carbon to achieve carbon neutral status for DoD lands

Abstract : Sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide in soils is a promising alternative for mitigation of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). The Department of Defense (DoD) owns significant land and water resources which can be managed to offset emissions. Accounting for this, sequestration could help DoD reach carbon neutrality. Many activities the DoD engages in for sustainable land management and training sustainment are conducive to soil carbon storage without even considering this as an important component; however, carbon storage could be greatly enhanced by increased understanding of optimal storage conditions and by making slight adjustments to existing practices. Land management techniques may require adjustments to maximize carbon storage while maintaining training and environmental quality. In order to achieve this, data gaps for estimating carbon fluxes need to be addressed so that accurate measurements can be taken. Unknown aspects of carbon storage as it relates to plant-soil-soil microbe interations need to be investigated to maximize carbon storage while maintaining land use requirements. Geo-engineering concepts require further refinement to increase carbon storage in soils. These knowledge gaps are not insurmountable and could be addressed through focused research to maximize and accurately quantify carbon storage on DoD lands.