One petagram of carbon equals one billion metric tons of carbon. In the non-El Nino years of 1981 and 1993, however, the region stored away 0.7 petagrams of carbon. In comparison, researchers said the deforestation in the Amazon in the early 1990s added 0.3 petagrams of carbon per year to the atmosphere. Soil moisture, which is affected by both precipitation and temperature, and which affects both plant and soil processes, seemed to be an important factor concerning carbon storage, according to the study. The real problem is the lack of moisture.
Drier soil is believed to decrease the rate at which plants respire and take in carbon.
Lack of moisture in the soil also increased the rate at which the soil emits carbon, he says. The increasing amount of carbon concentration in the atmosphere also was believed to impact whether carbon was absorbed or emitted, he added. Recipients should seek permission to reprint the article from the source listed above. Reading on line, downloading or other use of this information signifies acceptance of these conditions, and the Full Disclaimer.