Potential for soil organic carbon sequestration in grasslands in East African countries: A review

Grasslands occupy almost half of the world's land area. Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a key indicator of soil fertility and grassland productivity. Increasing SOC stocks (so‐called SOC sequestration) improves soil fertility and contributes to climate change mitigation by binding atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Grasslands constitute about 70% of all agricultural land, but their potential for SOC sequestration is largely unknown. This review paper quantitatively summarizes observation‐based studies on the SOC sequestration potential of grasslands in six East African countries (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda) and seeks to identify knowledge gaps related to SOC sequestration potential in the region. In the studies reviewed, SOC stocks in grasslands range from 3 to 93 Mg C/ha in the upper 0.3 m of the soil profile, while SOC sequestration rate ranges from 0.1 to 3.1 Mg C ha‐1 year‐1 under different management strategies. Grazing management is reported to have a considerable impact on SOC sequestration rates, and grassland regeneration and protection are recommended as options to stimulate SOC sequestration. However, a very limited number of relevant studies are available (n = 23) and there is a need for fundamental information on SOC sequestration potential in the region. The effectiveness of potential incentive mechanisms, such as payments for environmental services, to foster uptake of SOC‐enhancing practices should also be assessed

Agroforestry potential of Acacia senegal in the rangelands of luwero and Nakasongola districts

No Abstrac

Soil organic carbon in agricultural systems of six countries in East Africa – a literature review of status and carbon sequestration potential

A systematic literature review of existing evidence on soil organic carbon (SOC) responses to agronomic best management practices (BMPs) in cultivated soils of East Africa, focusing on Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi. Examining current evidence on the extent to which BMPs can increase SOC stocks and whether net SOC sequestration is attainable in this region. The study also sought to identify knowledge gaps and make recommendations for future research. Independent variables: • Annual rainfall (mm year-1), as semi-arid (1500) • Temperature • Location, • Altitude - lowland (25 years). • Soil depth: 0-30 cm, 0-50 cm, and 0-100 cm. Dependent variables • Soil organic carbon stock (t C ha 1) • Soil organic carbon sequestration (t C ha 1 year-1) • Soil organic carbon loss (t C ha 1 year-1) (2020-02-20

Pricing rainbow, green, blue and grey water: tree cover and geopolitics of climatic teleconnections

International audienc

Soil organic carbon in agricultural systems of six countries in East Africa – a literature review of status and carbon sequestration potential

A systematic literature review of existing evidence on soil organic carbon (SOC) responses to agronomic best management practices (BMPs) in cultivated soils of East Africa, focusing on Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi. Examining current evidence on the extent to which BMPs can increase SOC stocks and whether net SOC sequestration is attainable in this region. The study also sought to identify knowledge gaps and make recommendations for future research. Independent variables: • Annual rainfall (mm year-1), as semi-arid (1500) • Temperature • Location, • Altitude - lowland (25 years). • Soil depth: 0-30 cm, 0-50 cm, and 0-100 cm. Dependent variables • Soil organic carbon stock (t C ha 1) • Soil organic carbon sequestration (t C ha 1 year-1) • Soil organic carbon loss (t C ha 1 year-1) (2020-02-20

Pricing rainbow, green, blue and grey water: tree cover and geopolitics of climatic teleconnections

Atmospheric moisture (''rainbow water'') is the source of all green, blue and grey water flows. Current water-related legislation and policies have moved beyond blue (water allocation) and grey (waste water treatment) water concerns to incorporate the green water concept of additional water use by fast-growing trees; it may require further change to incorporate rainbow water relations as evident in recent literature on shortcycle rainfall derived from evapotranspiration over land. Specific teleconnections relate rainfall dynamics at any specific site to land use and sea conditions elsewhere. Governmentmandated water use charges for payments for ecosystem services (PES) exist in some African countries but their use in enhancing actual water related ecosystem services covering the full hydrological cycle is still evolving as rainbow water science is new