The Carbon-Sequestering Power of Native Pollinator Gardens
Did you know incorporating native flowering pollinator gardens in your landscape increases the capacity to sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) in our urban environments?
The native plants in your garden play an important role in combating climate change through their deep root systems, photosynthetic processes, and ability to build healthy soil. The science behind why these gardens outperform traditional turf lawns in carbon sequestration all begins in the ground.
Native Pollinator Garden Power
Native prairie pollinator gardens are created to mimic the diverse ecosystems found in natural prairies. By replacing your lawn with native grasses and flowering plant species such as Echinacea purpurea (Coneflower) Asclepias speciosa (Milkweed), and Monarda fistulosa (Wild bergamot), you create a thriving ecoystem, providing essential habitat for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds. It doesn’t stop there. Your garden benefits extend far beyond supporting biodiversity.
Turf grass root systems
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Management found that native prairie ecosystems can sequester up to 1.8 metric tons of carbon per hectare annually, compared to just 0.4 metric tons for traditional turf grass lawns. This remarkable difference can be attributed to several factors unique to prairie ecosystems.
Native prairie pollinator root systems
Deep Root Systems: Recent research has shed light on the role native flowering pollinators play in carbon sequestration through their expansive root systems. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) revealed that native prairie plants, including flowering pollinators, grow deeper and more extensive root systems compared to turf grasses. Their specialized roots allow them to sequester carbon more effectively than turf lawns. This not only increases soil carbon storage but also contributes to soil health and resilience.
Biomass Accumulation: Prairie plants have vigorous growth patterns which allow them to accumulate biomass at a faster rate than monoculture turf grasses. As this biomass decomposes, carbon is incorporated into the soil, contributing to long-term carbon storage.
Reduced CO2 Emissions: Native prairie gardens require less maintenance compared to traditional landscapes, resulting in lower carbon emissions associated with lawn care mowing, trimming, and leaf blowing.
Prairie Soil Carbon Storage
Prairie pollinator landscape
An analysis conducted by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) highlighted the substantial carbon storage capacity of native prairie soils, attributing a significant portion of this storage to the presence of deep-rooted flowering pollinators. Through the natural process of carbon sequestration, these plants actively remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
Photosynthetic Efficiency
Carbon sequestration via photosynthesis
The photosynthetic capacity of native flowering pollinators furthers their carbon sequestering power. Research published in the journal Ecology Letters demonstrated that native prairie plants, including flowering pollinators, exhibit higher rates of photosynthesis compared to turf grasses. This also results in greater biomass accumulation and carbon storage. Photosynthetic efficiency enables these plants to capture and store more atmospheric carbon, contributing to overall carbon sequestration.
Urban Landscapes and Carbon Sequestration
Because native plant landscapes surpass traditional turf lawns in their ability to store carbon below ground, they serve as our climate change power houses in urban communities and neighborhoods.
Honeywood Garden Design is committed to using the power of native pollinators and providing regenerative solutions for those seeking to make a positive impact beginning in their own back yards. By working with nature, we can create beautiful naturalistic landscapes while also contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.
Honeywood Garden Design helps you create and build regenerative landscapes.
