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Carbon Sequestration in Agriculture and Forestry

Photo collage of carbon sinks in agriculture and foresty

New EPA Technical Report
Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Potential in U.S. Forestry and Agriculture

Carbon sequestration is the process through which agricultural and forestry practices remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. The term “sinks” is also used to describe agricultural and forestry lands that absorb CO2, the most important global warming gas emitted by human activities. Agricultural and forestry practices can also release CO2 and other greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.

Sequestration activities can help prevent global climate change by enhancing carbon storage in trees and soils, preserving existing tree and soil carbon, and by reducing emissions of CO2, methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). For more information on the science, emissions, and reduction opportunities for these and other non-CO2 gases, please visit our non-CO2 gases page.

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