Reported end date passed· Climate· Livelihoods
The fate of organic carbon in small mountain rivers in the Himalayas: Implications for soil erosion and climate change
Certain natural processes and land-use practices accelerate the disturbance of soil organic carbon (OC). This is a large problem in mountainous terrains, where small mountain rivers (SMR) erode and transport OC-rich top soil. A large amount of this OC pool in SMRs represents highly aged C, which when oxidized can be an additional hidden source of greenhouse-gas emission. OC release and oxidation via this aquatic conduit poses a livelihood challenge because loss of soil-OC diminishes its quality for agriculture, and degradation of OC could affect the climate. Nepal is affected by these changes both on short and long-term scales. Hence, the overarching aims of this study are to 1) develop and implement novel approaches to quantify the spatial and temporal variability of OC flux, and its fate in SMRs, and 2) initiate awareness and specific outreach activities for sustainable development practices. We will implement these goals by studying the variation of well-established multi-proxy physical and geochemical parameters in two SMRs located in western Nepal. The project will support proactive research initiatives and communication, and two-way knowledge exchange. These efforts will contribute towards better synergy, filling in knowledge gaps, and provide data for launching better soil conservation efforts and land-use practices. Moreover, it will empower the local community in making suitable and judicious decisions for sustainable development practices and reduce poverty.
Source-reported status: completed. Timeline labels use reported dates and do not verify current activity.
Reported by Sida / Sweden
Overview
About this project
Certain natural processes and land-use practices accelerate the disturbance of soil organic carbon (OC). This is a large problem in mountainous terrains, where small mountain rivers (SMR) erode and transport OC-rich top soil. A large amount of this OC pool in SMRs represents highly aged C, which when oxidized can be an additional hidden source of greenhouse-gas emission. OC release and oxidation via this aquatic conduit poses a livelihood challenge because loss of soil-OC diminishes its quality for agriculture, and degradation of OC could affect the climate. Nepal is affected by these changes both on short and long-term scales. Hence, the overarching aims of this study are to 1) develop and implement novel approaches to quantify the spatial and temporal variability of OC flux, and its fate in SMRs, and 2) initiate awareness and specific outreach activities for sustainable development practices. We will implement these goals by studying the variation of well-established multi-proxy physical and geochemical parameters in two SMRs located in western Nepal. The project will support proactive research initiatives and communication, and two-way knowledge exchange. These efforts will contribute towards better synergy, filling in knowledge gaps, and provide data for launching better soil conservation efforts and land-use practices. Moreover, it will empower the local community in making suitable and judicious decisions for sustainable development practices and reduce poverty.
Field coverage
75% complete
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Not reported by the available sources: budget, disbursement, partner organizations. This is intentionally shown as unavailable rather than estimated.
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Original project evidence
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