Demonstrations of Soil Carbon Loss: Tools for Initiating a Discussion about Climate Change.

The three common greenhouse gases are Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Methane (CH₄) and Nitrous oxide (N₂0). Of the three CO₂ is the most abundant in the atmosphere and represents about 84% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Agricultural CO₂ contributions include combustion of fuel, fertilizer production, accelerated respiration from tillage, and soil erosion. Agricultural soils are also a sink for CO₂ and have the potential to sequester carbon in the form of soil organic matter. Similar to a parent hiding vegetables in a meat loaf, we are developing extension programming that introduces concepts that build awareness about the impact from and role of agriculture in climate change. The programming is adapted for delivery to audiences ranging from K12 to adult producer meetings.  Soil respiration is quantified using Draeger tubes and soil erosion from contrasting agricultural systems i.e. tilled and no-till are demonstrated with the use of rainfall simulators. These demonstration activities provide a tangible context to frame a discussion about climate change. Outcomes from these programs include increased awareness about agriculture as a source and sink for CO₂.