The largest uncertainty is the area that will benefit from this technology. A 10-year period is recommended to assess impact on soil carbon stocks. Combining present algorithms for estimating biomass in shrubs and small trees, standard soil carbon sampling, and GIS techniques appears feasible. The level of additional sequestered carbon can be readily estimated by the techniques described above. Assumptions and methodologies associated with this practice can be explained clearly to facilitate replication and assessment.
Scientific methods are open to review and are replicable over time.
Associated Impacts Major increases in food security and poverty reduction seem assured. Spillover effects could occur in developing rural industries and employment. Using biologically fixed nitrogen would lead to potential savings in N 2 O emissions. These practices also would reduce dependence on superphosphates, whose manufacture is also highly fossil fuel-intensive with high risk of pollution. Increases in soil conservation and below-ground biodiversity are likely.