Determine the amount of carbon sequestration in rangeland species (case study: Atriplex canescens)

Rangelands ecosystems have a large potential to sequester C because they occupy about half of the world's land area. This study investigate the role of Atriplex canescens in carbon sequestration in rangeland research station of Cheshmeh Ali in Qazvin province. Main treatment applied in a split plot design using randomized completely blocks included two densities, 2×2 m and 4×4 m. In each treatment, four pruning height included without pruning (control treatment), completely pruning, pruning in 20cm and 40cm above ground. Carbon amount were measured for above and underground biomass and soil in density and pruning height separately. Results showed that mean carbon in above and underground biomass per area unit in 2×2m treatment are higher than 4×4m treatment significantly. In 2×2m spacing, the total carbon amount of total biomass (2370 kg/ha) was twice as much amount as 4×4m treatment did significant difference was observed in total sequestrated carbon in plant spacing and purning height treatment. Mean total carbon sequestration per hectar were 59/16 and 59/81 ton in 2×2m and 4×4m treatment. Corolation analysis indicated that there is significant and positive relationship between total sequestrated carbon and organic carbon. Therefore the results suggest that good management practices in rangelands result in increased carbon storage and can increases carbon sequestration.