Fog collection as a strategy to sequester carbon in drylands

摘要: Advection fog is the sole source of water for many near-the-sea arid areas worldwide such as lomas, i.e. fog-dependant landscapes coastal zone Peru and Northern Chile, where deforestation occurred since 16th century, leading to a progressive severe desertification. There, today's local socio-ecological systems suffer from lack freshwater because they cannot rely anymore on contribution captured by vegetation. This paper presents results an experimental reforestation project carried out in Mejia (Peru), tree seedlings five native exotic species were planted two permanent plots 1996. Part irrigated during first three years after planting, others not. The irrigation was thanks harvesting large collectors. From third year onwards, all trees relied only collected their canopy. Survival rate, height, root-collar diameter monitored until 2010, when also soil carbon nitrogen stocks measured. Fifteen about 65% still alive growing, had induced substantial sequestration both above- below-ground. Of species, Acacia saligna definitely best performing than other, with most above ground stored its biomass consequent high efficiency natural collector. Overall, combination collection nets plantation showing good capacity, represented successful strategy allowing environments fast sequestration. Greater efforts should be thus devoted this purpose, paying special attention selection suitable plant, especially looking at biodiversity. work dedicated memory Professor Mario Falciai, passed away 2015, who firstly conceived experiment attended 1996, bringing our University idea Fog Collection sustainable management.