Earth system models overstate carbon removal: New findings suggest nitrogen fixation is 50% lower than thought

2 comments

1. In order for them to steel man their theory they would simply have to look at naturally occurring grasslands or woods in an area that hasn’t been affected by fertilizer or has been cut

   Then they can track the amount of foliage over time and overlay that with the amount of co2 in the air

   Also not to poo poo on their air nitrogen photosynthesis theory

   Plants use nitrogen from the soil, not directly from the air, for photosynthesis. While the air is about 78% nitrogen ((N_{2})), plants cannot use this gaseous form directly because it is too difficult to break its triple bond. Instead, certain soil bacteria and other microorganisms perform a process called nitrogen fixation, which converts atmospheric nitrogen ((N_{2})) into ammonia ((NH_{3})) and other nitrogen compounds that plants can absorb through their roots as nitrates and ammonium ions. 

2. Nature’s bailout isn’t showing up-again. If our models overshoot, it’s time we stop waiting and start building real solutions instead of betting on wishful thinking.

Comments are closed.