How Plants Store Carbon
Above Ground
Just like we store energy from food in our bodies, plants store carbon pollution in their trunks, branches, and leaves as they grow. Big trees can store lots of this pollution for many years.
Below Ground
Plant roots go deep underground, and they store carbon pollution down there too. Some plants, like prairie grasses, have roots longer than a school bus!
In the soil
When leaves fall and plants die, they break down into rich soil. This keeps the carbon pollution locked away in the ground instead of in our air.
Plant Root Relationships
Plant roots release special foods that feed tiny helpful creatures in the soil. These creatures then help store more carbon pollution in the ground.
Underground Networks
Plants team up with underground fungi to create hidden pathways that help store even more carbon deep in the soil.