| Substantial proportion of the global carbon emissions to the atmosphere originate from agricultural activities. Otherwise, agricultural ecosystems show the potential to sequester atmospheric carbon in soils by altering agricultural managements and practices (i.e. tillage practice and crop rotation) and using agricultural inputs (i.e. fertilizers and irrigation) more efficiently. This course provides a fundamental understanding for carbon flux in various agricultural ecosystems, natural terrestrial, freshwater and marine systems as well as the exchanges and interactive relationships. Key factors and processes that control carbon biogeochemistry and climate, and how these have varied through time and reflected on anthropogenic purposes will be included in the course. Therefore, continuous long-term monitoring of carbon fluxes is essential to understand the carbon dynamics and balances between different agricultural and natural sites. Quantitative approaches to monitor and analyze carbon fixation & transformation (i.e., ecosystem metabolism), movement and storage herein will be supported by modern observations and modeling that can extend our knowledge beyond the short instrumental period. Students will develop their scientific skills though assignments building towards individual research projects that also hone a range of presentation skills. |
