1 / 20

Physical and Biotic Processes Affecting Carbon Cycling in Riparian Zones

Physical and Biotic Processes Affecting Carbon Cycling in Riparian Zones. Definition of Riparian Zone: The wetland fringe; from the water’s edge into the upland. “Transition zone” Research Needs: What do we need to know? “The C Cycle for Riparian Areas”. Components of C Cycle

saima
Download Presentation

Physical and Biotic Processes Affecting Carbon Cycling in Riparian Zones

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Physical and Biotic Processes Affecting Carbon Cycling in Riparian Zones

  2. Definition of Riparian Zone: • The wetland fringe; from the water’s edge into the upland. “Transition zone” Research Needs: What do we need to know? • “The C Cycle for Riparian Areas”

  3. Components of C Cycle Vegetation:cover type is varied. • Some information out there but is all over the place (Ag, Forestry). • May be difficult to bring within the riparian context.

  4. Components of C Cycle Stabilization of Carbon: turnover rates unclear. Erosion and Sedimentation as C Inputsmay be able to estimate but will depend on vegetative cover.

  5. Components of C Cycle Clearing of vegetation: how does it influence C inputs and storage? Re-vegetation input: same as above

  6. Need More Information on Interrelationships: 1) Need to know micro and landscape scale effects. 2) Under what conditions do wetlands act as a carbon sink/source? 3) What variables are important? 4) Measurement and verification will continue to be a challenge!

  7. Land Management How practices can increase or decrease carbon uptake in riparianareas. Cultivation:generally agreed it likely has negative impact on carbon storage. Need documentation and need to consider other implications: e.g. more turning and greater fuel consumption.

  8. Land Management Effect of Grazing:some information available, more needed. • Good grazing management should increase carbon holding potential. Info may be forthcoming.

  9. Land Management Buffer Zone:riparian area could benefit from its role as a filter. • Protect wetlands from pollutants. Cover type will determine effectiveness.

  10. Land Management Burning:?

  11. What is most important to know? • How much carbon is stored in the riparian zone in different eco-regions?

  12. What is most important to know? • What management practices within riparian zones will maximize the potential sink/source? -long term vs.. short term - effect of doing nothing

  13. What is most important to know? • Carbon alone should not be the only consideration. • Sound riparian management has to account for other factors such as wildlife habitat, economics, aesthetics, biodiversity.

  14. Riparian Zone Research Goal Address the carbon cycle in riparian zones and how the cycle is affected by land management practices.

  15. Impediments • Wetland margins (riparian zones) may “fall through the cracks”. Riparian zones need to be part of wetlands paper at sinks table. • Need central forum for discussion: annual workshops on wetland-related research.

  16. Impediments • Time frame involved: need years to develop an understanding. • Lack of conceptual model to focus and reveal research gaps and link with wetlands and uplands. • Question as to who is responsible, what government agency will take the lead.

  17. Overcoming Impediments • Use a specific conceptual model first to determine what we know and what is missing. • Develop some protocols and standardization in measurements.

  18. Overcoming Impediments • Identify a unifying group to be in charge of process who will encourage short and long term research programs. • RAISE AWARENESS of importance of wetlands and riparian zones.

  19. Group Recommendations 1) Development of a conceptual model to identify short and long term research needs. 2) Locate and establish benchmark sites and values. 3) Identify stakeholders and partners. 4) Keep people “in the loop”. 5) Develop policy that encourages the enhancement/protection of riparian areas.

  20. Remember that the riparian area is the first part of the wetland ecosystem to be disturbed.

More Related