Fire-Derived Charcoal Causes Loss of Forest Humus

Scientists have long supposed that charcoal tree remains left behind after forest fires were a long lasting, stable form of carbon storage.

Results of a study published in Nature this week seem to prove otherwise.  Once in the soil, the charcoal is apparently broken down by microbes, releasing more carbon into the environment than was previously believed.

Read the study results here.  Nature is provided to FAO staff members via library subscription.