Forming regional soil carbon networks to support effective climate change solutions

Abstract

Sequestration and storage of organic carbon (C) in soil is an essential component of climate change mitigation and fundamental in promoting the health and climate resilience of soils. Sources of available soil C data are increasing, which complicates efforts to consolidate the data in forms that can be readily used by stakeholders. Spatial and temporal gaps in data availability also limit the quantification of changes in soil C through space and time. Improved coordination among producers and users of soil C data would provide data compatibility at the spatial and temporal resolution required for C monitoring, accounting, and verification of policy implementation. These challenges can be addressed by forming regional-scale networks to coordinate the collection and use of soil C data by promoting consistency in methods, collecting new data to fill critical gaps, integrating existing data from multiple sources, and providing data interpretation to stakeholders in readily usable forms. Forming networks in regions such as the Northeastern United States would require close coordination with existing programs that are involved in collecting or aggregating soil C within that region. Network formation could be accomplished by (1) producing a planning document, (2) designing a network structure tailored to the region, and (3) acquiring the institutional support to establish and operate the network. Increasing the availability and usage of soil C data through regional networks would support the development of climate change solutions and increased ecosystem services through land management efforts that increase soil C storage.