May 19, 1999

Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) has introduced a bill that would intensify research into any links between agricultural practices and climate. At issue is the "carbon cycle" and whether it contributes to high levels of carbon storage in soil while reducing soil erosion and fuel costs.

"There is growing belief that agricultural practices can contribute to high levels of carbon storage in soil while simultaneously reducing soil erosion and fuel costs and improving soil fertility and reduction rates," said Roberts. "The carbon cycle issue is complex. There is an urgent need for more research. This legislation gives USDA incentives to seek scientific answers to questions about the carbon cycle."

The legislation calls for such tools as satellite-based technology to be used in research to map vegetation and allow comparisons with the amount of carbon stored in soil. It also directs the Natural Resource Conservation Service to develop a soil carbon data base to climate change policy decisions can be based on science.

"USDA should be researching the link between agricultural practices such as conservation tillage, buffer strips, the Conservation Reserve Program and other new technologies," said Roberts. "Why do these practices increase soil carbon levels? The answers may indicate that crops, soils and forests play an important role in limiting climate change."