“While this will not single-handedly significantly reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, it is still helpful.”įor example, Law’s research shows that the carbon deposited by the grass more than offsets the carbon emitted from managing the lawn and helps to justify those emissions. “By carefully selecting a grass and properly managing grass clippings, homeowners can increase the carbon sequestered in the soil,” he said. Lawn mowers, like cars and trucks, produce their own carbon emissions and can offset some of the benefits of increased grass clippings. To get more grass clippings, the grass has to be mowed more often, which can cause problems. However, Law notes it is difficult to make specific species recommendations in this area. In the soil, they affect the carbon and nitrogen levels in two ways: directly by simply being present but also indirectly by serving as fertilizer for the grass. Grass clippings contain these elements and if the clippings are returned to the soil, they break down and are released into the soil. In addition, returning grass clippings increased both soil carbon and nitrogen compared to when clippings were collected. It also decreases the risk of runoff and erosion, and improves soil-water relations.” Grass clippings “Soil carbon helps to bind soil particles and build soil structure. “Soil is a non-renewable resource that must be protected, which soil carbon helps to do,” he said. Both are common grasses used in lawns in the United States. However, tall fescue required more frequent mowing. Specifically, tall fescue resulted in more soil carbon than Kentucky bluegrass. Law and his team found that the amount of carbon deposited into the soil was affected by the species of grass and how it was mown. “Grasses are able to remove carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere and deposit it into the soil as organic matter.” “My research demonstrates one of the many environmental benefits of natural grass lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, cemeteries, and similar areas,” he explains. Does the type of turf grass make a difference? Does it matter if grass clippings are left on the lawn or picked up? How frequently should people mow their lawns? Benefits Quincy Law of Purdue University studies many aspects of lawn care and their effects on the soil. Cranking up the lawn mower on a Saturday afternoon may be a child’s most dreaded chore.īut little does he or she know that it also affects how much carbon and nitrogen are present in the soil below the grass.
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