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The non-permanence of optimal soil carbon sequestration

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  • Hediger, Werner

Abstract

Carbon sequestration in agricultural soils is considered as an option of greenhouse gas mitigation in many countries. But, the economic potential is limited by the dynamic process of saturation and the opportunity cost of land use change. In addition, this article shows that permanence cannot, in general, be achieved in the strict sense of maintaining the soil carbon stock on an increased equilibrium level. Rather, a cyclical pattern with periodical release of sequestered carbon can be economically optimal from both the farmers’ and societal point of view.

Suggested Citation

  • Hediger, Werner, 2009. "The non-permanence of optimal soil carbon sequestration," 83rd Annual Conference, March 30 - April 1, 2009, Dublin, Ireland 51057, Agricultural Economics Society.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aesc09:51057
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.51057
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    Cited by:

    1. Timothy Capon & Michael Harris & Andrew Reeson, 2013. "The Design of Markets for Soil Carbon Sequestration," Economic Papers, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 32(2), pages 161-173, June.

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