Soil function: carbon storage and greenhouse gas emissions

Soil function: Carbon storage and greenhouse gas emission

Scottish soil contains over 3000 Megatonnes of stored carbon.  Most of the soil carbon is found in peat soils. Soil processes are also at the heart of the exchange of gases (CO2, CH4, NOx, NH4) with the atmosphere.

Threats to this soil function as defined in the Scottish Soil Framework

Major effect

• Climate change: soil carbon stock may decline; increased potential of greenhouse gas emissions
• Loss of organic matter
• Sealing
• Loss of biodiversity

Minor effect

• Acidification and eutrophication
• Contamination
• Soil erosion

Minor effect but locally important

• Compaction and structural damage

No effect

• Pesticides
• Salinisation