Carbon sequestration and ecosystem analysis of semi-arid grazing lands at Sivagangai

Abstract

Present study is focused on biomass, net primary production and system transfer functions and carbon sequestration of grazing lands in the Semi-arid regions of Sivagangai. climatic diagram was drawn based on the secondary data of Rainfall and Temperature collected from meterialogical department, Sivagangai. Study area is dominated by Heteropogon contortus at site I and Melochia corchorifolia at site II. Dry matter dynamics reflected in carbon sequestration study at site I and II. Even though above ground carbon fixation and total carbon input to the system were high at site II, Carbon output from the grazing land to soil was low due to over grazing. Monthly soil organic carbon study at site I and II also conform the low carbon output from the system to soil. Grazing land ecosystem at site I shows its stability and grazing land ecosystem at site II shows its degradation nature. Based on this study it is concluded that organic carbon is the major factor for soil nutrient bank and grazing land stability. It is very much affected at site II. Mild grazing is
recommended at site I and over grazing should be controlled at site II to maintain productive grazing lands at site I and II of semi-arid grazing lands at Sivagangai.