Project Number: 6420-11120-006-06
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: May 05, 2009
End Date: Apr 30, 2014

Objective:
Objectives include: (1) determine what carbon sequestration potentials exist within nursery systems; (2) develop strategies for increasing carbon (C) sequestration above current levels; 3) measure greenhouse gas emissions from nursery production systems; and (4) develop practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from nursery production systems.

Approach:
Measurement of potential carbon (C) sequestration will be accomplished by making soil and gas sampling measurements in an existing alternative substrate study. Auburn University Horticulture Department has an ongoing effort to develop alternative substrates for horticultural production. Within this study, C sequestration levels will be monitored and compared to soil conditions which have not been disturbed by planting. In a second study, three pot sizes commonly used in the nursery industry (trade gallon, gallon, and 3 gallon) will be examined. Greenhouse gas emissions will be measured weekly from these pots over the course of the growing season.