The role of plants in the carbon cycle
The role of plants in the carbon cycle
plants play a crucial role in the earth's carbon cycle. They are an integral part of this complex system, which is responsible for maintaining life on our planet. This gives you a direct influence on our climate and environment. In this article we will immerse yourself in the role of plants in the carbon cycle and understand how to actively contribute to the control of global amounts of carbon.
The carbon cycle
First of all, it is important to understand what the carbon cycle tells us exactly. Carbon is an element that occurs in all living organisms. It circulates through the atmosphere, the oceans, the surface of the earth and in plants and animals in a process that is known as a carbon cycle.
carbon - an essential element
Carbon is the basic structure of almost all organic substances. It forms the structures of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, which in turn make up the physical structure of plants and animals. In addition, carbon stores energy and enables the metabolism in living organisms.
The path of carbon by the
system
The carbon circulation begins with the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through plants during photosynthesis. The plants use the carbon dioxide, sunlight and water to form glucose and oxygen. Part of the carbon dioxide is saved by plants, while the remaining part is returned to the atmosphere. This process of carbon storage in plants and its release into the atmosphere is known as carbon sinks or carbon source.
In addition, part of the carbon of plants to animals wanders through food intake. Some living things, such as insects, birds and mammals, absorb carbon directly from plants, while others, such as carbaves, indirectly absorb carbon of plants over their prey. Finally, carbon made of totem organic material, such as dead plants and animals, is returned to the ground by the process of decomposition.
plants and the carbon cycle
The natural carbon cycle depends heavily on plants. These serve as carbon sinks by storing carbon and as carbon sources by releasing carbon.
role of plants in the carbon cycle
Plants absorb carbon from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. The carbon dioxide is converted into glucose together with water and sunlight, which is a carbohydrate and oxygen. This glucose is used internally for energy generation or saved in the form of complex carbohydrates.
When converting carbon dioxide into carbonated rate, photosynthesis acts as a carbon sink. In this process, carbon is removed from the atmosphere and stored in plants. Plants play a significant role in which they absorb about 25% of the carbon dioxide emitted annually.
Dated kept parts fall to the ground and decompose to humus, causing carbon to be brought into the soil again. This contributes to the fertility of the soil and the storage of carbon.
plants as carbon source
On the other hand, plants also serve as carbon sources. They give carbon back into the atmosphere through breathing, weathering and combustion. In breathing, the carbon stored in the glucose reacts with oxygen and produces carbon dioxide that is released to the atmosphere. In addition, carbon from plants is attributed to the soil and the atmosphere when plant material is decomposed or burned.
effects of human influence on the carbon cycle
Man has a significant impact on the carbon cycle. Burning fossil fuels and changes in land use, especially due to deforestation, the content of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has risen sharply in recent centuries.
burn fossil fuels
Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas contain carbon that has been stored from plants and animals for millions of years. By combining it, the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere. Therefore, fossil fuels are an enormous source of carbon.
Land usage changes
Land usage changes, in particular the deforestation, also contribute to the increase in carbon in the atmosphere, since there are fewer plants that can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In addition, the destruction and decomposition of the trees lead to even more carbon.
FAZIT
Plants play a crucial role in the carbon cycle. They help to maintain the balance of carbon in the atmosphere by serving both as carbon sinks and as carbon sources. Your role in this cycle has a direct impact on our climate and environment. However, the influence of humans, especially through the burning sensation of fossil fuels and changes in land use, disturbs this finely coordinated system and leads to an increased amount of carbon in the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming. It is therefore of the utmost importance to understand and minimize our influence on the carbon cycle in order to maintain the health of our planet.