Scientists have revealed that levels of carbon dioxide increase in the Northern Hemisphere during summers each year as plants absorb carbon dioxide to convert sunlight into food. The CO2 levels again rise as the plants release CO2 after the growing season.
Scientists have found that corn, rice, wheat and soybean are the four leading crops that account for maximum CO2 release in the atmosphere of Northern Hemisphere. Crops act as sponge for CO2 and it could be said that the sponge effect has become bigger because of the advancements in agricultural techniques, leading to more production. There is a sharp rise in demand of food production because of growing population across the world, which means that the levels of CO2 will only increase in coming years.
Researchers have also showed that agricultural production is likely to account for 25% surge in the seasonal carbon cycle. And corn will play a leading role.
“This study shows the power of modeling and data mining in addressing potential sources contributing to seasonal changes in carbon dioxide. It points to the role of basic research in finding answers to complex problems”, said Liz Blood, program director for the National Science Foundation’s Macro Systems Biology Program, which funded the research.
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