Carbon fixation optimizes the health of the environment. By transforming carbon dioxide into organic compounds, this process forms the foundation of food chains and supports life on Earth.
About Carbon Fixation
Carbon fixation converts inorganic carbon, mainly carbon dioxide, into organic compounds. This is done by photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, primarily by plants, algae and bacteria.
In photosynthesis, chlorophyll captures sunlight and powers the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The glucose produced becomes an energy source for the plant.
A mature oak tree absorbs about 22 kg or 48 lb of carbon dioxide per year. An acre of old forest absorbs the same amount of CO2 as produced by a car driven for 41,843 km or 26,000 mi.
Soil microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, facilitate biological carbon fixation. They sequester carbon from decomposed organic material and return it to the soil.
Carbon Fixation & Climate Regulation
Carbon fixation affects the Earth’s climate. The carbon cycle enables exchange of carbon between environment and living organisms. Carbon fixation helps reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations.
Significance of Carbon Fixation in Agriculture
In agriculture, carbon fixation is needed for food production. Farmers can improve soil health through carbon sequestration enhancement. For instance, cover cropping and reduced tillage are two effective strategies.
They enhance soil quality but and increase the capacity of plants to store carbon. Cover crops fix carbon into soils while providing habitats for beneficial insects and organisms.
Cover crops are meant to "cover" and nourish the soil. The many varieties include rye, mustard, alfalfa, clover, buckwheat, radish and vetch.
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