Cattle and Carbon Series

The Cattle and Carbon Series by Dr. Alan Franzluebbers of the USDA-Agricultural Research Service explores the vital relationship between pasture-based cattle production and soil carbon in the Carolinas. Through twelve installments, the series explains how carbon cycles through plants, animals, and soil—forming the foundation of life and soil health—and examines how management practices affect soil carbon storage. Drawing from extensive soil sampling across North Carolina, the series reveals that well-managed grasslands can significantly enhance soil organic matter, water retention, and ecosystem resilience. It also addresses the role of carbon markets and the stewardship responsibilities of farmers in maintaining healthy, carbon-rich soils. Overall, Cattle and Carbon illustrates how sustainable livestock systems contribute to climate mitigation, productive pastures, and environmental balance.

You can view the full publication at the link below:

Download Full Cattle and Carbon Series

1. Introduction and Basics
2. Storage of Soil Carbon in the Carolinas
3. Soil Carbon Calculations
4. Soil Organic Carbon on North Carolina Farms
5. Soil Carbon Distinguished from Pedogenesis and Management
6. Land Use and Forage Management Impacts on Soil Carbon
7. The Intertwining of Carbon and Nitrogen
8. Biologically Active Soil Carbon
9. Soil Organic Matter Associates with Physical Properties
10. Soil Organic Matter Associates with Some Chemical Properties
11. What could a Carbon Market Look Like?
12. Summarizing and Sealing this Series

CEFS and Climate Change

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Climate Change Factsheet – Nitrous Oxide Emissions

Plants, including crops, take up nitrogen from the soil through their roots. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for all plants and is the most needed for plant growth, so farmers typically apply additional nitrogen to increase productivity. Most agronomic crop yields, including important species like corn and cotton, benefit from this added nitrogen. Nitrous oxide emissions are generally driven by rain events, when the soils become saturated, through the natural process of denitrification. After fertilization it is normal to see some nitrous oxide emissions, however, the magnitude of these losses can be significantly reduced when nitrogen is applied at rates aligned with crop nitrogen requirements. Wise agronomic use of nitrogen reduces nitrous oxide emissions.

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Climate Change Factsheet – Carbon Sequestration

In relation to climate change, carbon sequestration is the temporary or permanent removal of CO2 from the atmosphere. This removal can be natural via photosynthesis and subsequent soil organic matter storage or industrialized via carbon capture mechanisms, e.g. CO2 scrubbing. Sequestration is dependent on geography, climate, and soil types.

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Climate Change and Society – Part 3

Dr. Angel Cruz discusses how critical food systems, water systems, and public health are impacted by climate change.

Climate Change and Society – Part 2

Dr. Angel Cruz provides an introduction to key impacts of climate change.

Climate Change and Society – Part 1

Dr. Angel Cruz introduces contributors to climate change.