Comparative Analysis of Soil-Atmosphere CO₂ Fluxes Components by Satellite Indicators, Models and Direct Measurements Targeting Climate Change Mitigation in Croplands

¹ National Institute for Research and Development in Environmental Protection, 294 Splaiul Independentei, 060031, Bucharest, Romania
² Doctoral School of Biotechnical Systems Engineering, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, Romania

^* Corresponding author: natalia_andreea92@yahoo.com

Abstract

This research presents an environmental monitoring and assessment approach by comparative analysis of soil-atmosphere CO₂ fluxes components using satellite indicators, modeling techniques and in-situ and laboratory determinations. Considering that croplands are a major greenhouse gas emitter, it is essential to monitor the main carbon fluxes components in order to mitigate the impact of climate change. For a comprehensive approach, two locations from different regions in Romania were analyzed to determine and evaluate CO₂ emissions at soil-atmosphere interface, soil organic carbon (SOC), soil organic matter (SOM) and vegetation carbon storage (VCS). Direct measurements revealed higher average CO₂ emissions in Romanian South Region of 0.305 g m⁻² h⁻¹, compared to Central Region where the average emissions were 0.127 g m⁻² h⁻¹ over a given time. Complementary estimates from the DNDC model and satellite data showed variability between methods for CO₂ fluxes components but generally aligned with observed trends for each location. Combining data from multiple sources highlights the importance of local calibration for the models to obtain high-confidence estimates. Nonetheless, the sustainable land management was addressed by analyzing the SOC, SOM and VCS from two land parcels cultivated with potatoes and sunflower being characterized by specific climate patterns of the two regions.