09E0B78F71B2D51B872584710053AEF8 Hearing Summary

Mark Easter, Colorado State University, presented to the committee on carbon sequestration and reducing trace gases in Colorado agriculture (Attachment B). He discussed the Paustian Research Group, which is based at Colorado State University.  He reviewed the role of agriculture in climate change.  He discussed carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. He reviewed aspects of managing the global carbon cycle and the carbon footprint for bread. He stated that tilling soil releases carbon and impacts soil health. He discussed how nitrous oxide is emitted from fertilizers. He discussed methane releases related to food and yard waste in landfills.

Mr. Easter discussed removing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the Earth. He discussed aspects of carbon farming, such as composting, minimum tillage, use of cover crops, and reducing synthetic fertilizers. He discussed composting as it relates to agriculture.

Mr. Easter answered questions from the committee about composting, carbon levels, and carbon sequestration. He continued to respond to questions from the committee about composting, carbon releases due to changes in farming practices, and manure. Committee discussion with Mr. Easter ensued about carbon sequestration and farm practices.