Study of soil carbon dynamics under a bamboo plantation in Belgium

Abstract

Given the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, combating climate change is no longer an option but a necessity. Various methods have been developed, including technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester them. This work falls in the scope of soil carbon sequestration through bamboo planting. A Belgian botanical garden with a bamboo plantation has been used as an experimental field. Multiple samplings were carried out, including soil organic carbon and respiration measurements. The aim was to accurately compare the carbon dynamics between grassland and three bamboo species belonging to the same genus (Phyllostachys).

After twelve years of planting bamboo in a grassland, no significant increase in soil organic carbon stock was measured except at a depth of 30 to 40cm. One species of bamboo emitted less CO2 from the soil than grassland or the other two bamboo species. Additional experiences, including biomass measurements or chemical analyses, were conducted to justify the findings.

Finally, several improvements to the experimental setup have been proposed. This work opens up multiple perspectives, such as replicating the experiment in a forest or a possible carbon remuneration by policymakers.