Prairie Roots can Save the Planet
By Kendall Buckingham, Rochester Pines Field Crew Member / AmeriCorps Member
As the effects of global warming continue to bear down on us, it becomes increasingly important to mitigate the worst of its effects. With raging wildfires, extreme drought, and flooding events, the need for water conservation has only increased. By restoring ecosystems, especially prairies, we not only increase biodiversity, but also increase the land’s ability to persevere through these extreme weather events.
In the case of flooding and droughts, the deep root system of native plants increases the soil’s ability to store water. This reduces water run off which results in flooding. Not only does deep root growth store water more effectively, it also stores a large amount of carbon. Plants reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by storing it in their leaves and roots through photosynthesis. Grasslands store most of their carbon in their roots, unlike trees that store their carbon in their fiber. This makes grasslands a more dependable carbon sink because the carbon doesn’t get released into the atmosphere when it burns. Grasslands also contain a lot of organic matter, which increases the soil’s ability to store carbon long term
Unfortunately, a lot of prairies have been lost due to invasive species, fire suppression, and habitat destruction. As it stands now only fragments of untouched prairie remain, likely less than 1%. Most prairies have been lost to agriculture, limiting the soil’s ability to store carbon. That is why what we do as CCMI members is so important. We’re bringing back the natural fire cycle needed to maintain prairies, removing the invasives and bringing awareness to the issues facing native ecosystems.
Threats to the Prairie | Grassland Heritage
Carbon Sequestration in Native Grasslands: How Restorations Can Fight – Natural Communities LLC