Some soils 'do not emit as much CO2 as believed'

A new report has shed light on the carbon emissions of soil, stating that various kinds do not release as much of it as previously thought.

The research, undertaken by Cornell University located in the state of New York, has discovered that as air warms soil may not necessarily release more CO2, depending upon its quality.

For example, earth containing black carbon, which is a by-product of fires, will release CO2 more slowly than other soils, it discovered.

The study, which was carried out in various Australian regions, concluded that climate models have miscalculated the country's emissions by around 20 per cent over the next 100 years.

This equates to the same amount of emissions contributed by the country's aviation industry, it stated.

In related news, Australian minister Wayne Swan said in October that taxation for carbon pollution is to go ahead in 2010 as the government prepares to cap its greenhouse gas emissions.