The Biometeorology group uses a state-of-the-art mesocosm facility to explore greenhouse gases emitted from agricultural systems. Historically this facility has been used to explore the feedbacks future climate scenarios, specifically changes in precipitation, will have on greenhouse gas emissions from corn cultivation. Today the facility is being used to quickly test the potential of soil amendments to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from corn cultivation. The facility is climate-controlled and designed to collect hourly methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide emissions from 6 independent treatments. These high-resolution measurements and the controlled nature of the mesocosms provide a unique tool for understanding the drivers of greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural systems and accessing the efficacy of potential mitigation technology. The mesocosm facility has been supported by The National Science Foundation, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.
