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Returning organic matter to the soil... <br />...is again key to protecting our environment. Just as managing plant debris as if it is a resource and not a waste <br />product can be the link between protecting our watersheds and conserving our resources, so too is this <br />approach critical to reducing the emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Consider the <br />practices listed on the previous page that are related to the management of landscape trimmings and grass <br />clippings. You can provide your clients with the most advanced, comprehensive approach to fighting global <br />warming by using sound, effective soil-building strategies. <br />Carbon Dioxide <br />^ Minimize soil erosion <br />• Maintain cover and minimize disturbance <br />^ Build soil organic matter <br />• Add compost and maintain vegetation <br />^ Minimize soil grading and transport <br />Methane <br />^ Maintain aerobic conditions <br />• Limit compaction <br />• Maintain subsurface drainage <br />• Build organic matter with compost and healthy vegetation <br />Nitrous Oxide <br />^ Verify need for nitrogen fertilizers by testing soils <br />^ Use nitrogen fertilizers efficiently <br />• Apply during times of active uptake <br />• Don't leave fertilizer at the soil surface <br />• Apply nitrogen during cool weather <br />• Do not apply nitrogen to saturated soil or if rain is expected <br />SOZI StOS''eS approximately <br />twice as much carbon as that in <br />the atmosphere. This pool of <br />organic carbon can help offset <br />the impact on global warming of <br />carbon dioxide releases from <br />other sources. <br />FROM: LAL, R, SOIL CARBON SEQUESTRATION IMPACTS ON <br />GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD SECURITY, SCIENCE, <br />2004 IN SUSTAINABLE SITES INITIATIVE, PNELIMINARY <br />REPORT ON THE STANDARDS B GUIDELINES. NOV. 200]. <br /> <br />Measure Tons <br />eCOz <br />Waste kept on site 2.5 <br />Avoided transportation I . I <br />Reduced shearing & mowing .2 <br />Reduced water needs .2 <br />Total 4.0 <br />You can be the first line of defense. <br />Whether a site is next to a creek or miles away, your landscaping <br />activities impact the quality of the San Francisco Bay watershed <br />and the global climate. <br />The landscape you design, construct or maintain can conserve <br />valuable resources, prevent waste and pollution, protect wildlife <br />habitat, and reconnect your clients and the public to the beauty <br />and value of the San Francisco Bay ecosystem. <br />8 <br />