Planting miscanthus could bring benefits to prevent climate change

I am in 7th grade at Scattergood Friends School in West Branch. We've been learning about soil biosequestration and how that can help reduce greenhouse gasses by storing carbon in the soil. I am writing this letter to the editor to share my opinion about how we can better sequester carbon and improve air quality by asking farmers of Eastern Iowa to plant Miscanthus grass around their fields.

Miscanthus has a complex and large root system and lives for long periods. It holds moisture, nutrients and prevents erosion. The long perennial roots go into the ground and aerate the soil, add organic matter providing nutrients to worms and insects there, to create a rich subterranean ecosystem.

In contaminated land Miscanthus improves diversity and abundance of useful bacteria and fungi. Miscanthus can sequester 2.2t of carbon per hectare. The University of Iowa has been growing miscanthus grass as an alternative energy source. 2,500 acres can produce 22,500 tons of sustainable and renewable fuel annually.

“We knew early on growing a local fuel like miscanthus would not only help us reach our goal but would provide many environmental and local benefits as well,” said Wendy Moorhead, UI assistant director of Facilities Management.

We need to do our best to prevent climate change to protect our earth and future generations. If everyone plants even a small patch of grass, together we can take a stand and prevent a climate crisis.

Alexander Light

Iowa City