Education for Sustainable Living, Environmental Respect, and Celebrating the Quality of Life.

Carbon Dioxide

This is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.  It contributes overall about 60% of the total greenhouse effect of the five principle gases.  It has been increasing steadily through the burning of fossil fuels, slash and burn agriculture, deforestation, forest fires and other sources.  

Measurements taken from Mauna Loa, Hawaii from the mid 1990's on demonstrate a steady increase over time.  

Carbon Dioxide Effect On Agricultural Productivity

These trends are likely to continue in the short term.  How this source of carbon will contribute over time to global climate change remains a source of debate.  Some have suggested that it could enhance agricultural productivity by in essence acting as a plant fertilizer.  Others have suggested that while that this may happen for a short period, increased temperatures will mineralize soil carbon which could have a much greater long-term negative impact on plant productivity.   For an in-depth look at the effect of carbon dioxide on agriculture visit the climateandfarming.org website. 

Putting knowledge to work with the people of Maine

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Last Modified: 09/13/2006
These pages are currently being maintained from the
Water Quality Office, University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
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