Posted by Leif Riddervold on May 1st, 2008

This contraption has been turning a lot of heads on Plank Road these days, with several neighbors calling to ask what we are up to.   Are we attempting communication with alien civilizations?  Actually, this is a data collection station that a University of Virginia Hydrology class has set up as part of their field lab. 

 

Todd Scandon’s (UVA Environmental Science Professor) hydrology class is making use of Bundoran Farm’s ample space to learn about data collection methodologies for hydrologic investigations.  This instrument not only measures meteorological and stream flow variables, but also measures carbon flux.  That is, how much carbon dioxide is being released or sequestered at any given point in time, then integrating that data over several weeks or months to determine the carbon flux at that point in the pasture. 

 

We are pleased to report that their data indicates a net carbon uptake in this pasture.  In other words, the pasture and its soils are sequestering carbon.  With over 1,000 acres of pasture and an equal number in hardwood forest, Bundoran Farm serves as an important carbon sink.  Hopefully we can persuade the folks in the Environmental Science department to conduct some more detailed studies to determine the actual tonnage of carbon sequestered, and perhaps determine if any particular land use change might increase the level of uptake. 

 

Part of the mission at Bundoran and the Baldwin Center for Preservation Development is to facilitate and provide a venue for agricultural and environmental research opportunities, so that we all can benefit from the knowledge gained. 

Filed under: Agriculture, Education and Inspiration, General, Green Building, Nature/Environment