Which of the following best describes the role of grasslands in carbon storage?

Grasslands play a significant role in carbon storage by serving as a natural reservoir for atmospheric carbon, primarily through their extensive root systems and the soil they occupy. In grasslands, carbon is sequestered in two main ways: through the growth of the grasses themselves and the organic matter that accumulates in the soil.

Grass roots penetrate deep into the ground, allowing them to access nutrients and water while also facilitating carbon storage below the surface. When the plants die or shed leaves, the carbon contained in their biomass is transferred to the soil, enriching it and helping to build organic matter. This soil organic carbon (SOC) can persist for long periods, effectively trapping the carbon and reducing its presence in the atmosphere, thus playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change.

Moreover, grasslands are not limited to carbon storage during specific seasons like winter. They engage actively in photosynthesis during the growing season, producing oxygen and storing carbon throughout the year. This makes them a vital ecosystem in the global carbon cycle, contrasting with the notion of them being merely a source of carbon emissions or having no role in carbon dynamics. Understanding the role of grasslands in carbon storage is essential for conservation strategies aimed at climate change mitigation and ecological balance.