Researchers At Duke University Begin Work On 10,000-Acre Carbon Farm

Carbon farming is a new strategy to fight global warming. It involves storing excess carbon in soil or vegetation. That prevents it from going up into the atmosphere as C02 or methane, which affects temperature.

Duke University identified some peat bogs that were lying fallow to try this approach. The process will also create a habitat for wildlife and restore some wetland systems. The university could potentially store enough carbon to offset their own carbon emissions.

Dr. Curtis J. Richardson spearheaded the efforts. He says they are currently testing out their theories on a smaller scale - 300 acres.

“You cannot restore 10,000 acres immediately," says Richardson. "You've got hydrology concerns. You've got to make sure you're not flooding your neighbors. You've got to make sure that the best areas are going to be rewet. And you got to determine what the actual amount of carbon credits are.”

Richardson says that if the project yields positive results, there are other parts of the state that could be used for carbon farms.