In summer, the first carbon testing ground in Russia was launched on the basis of Tyumen State University, which should become part of the federal chain of testing grounds. Scientists consider the facility not only as a platform for measuring flows of climatically active gases, but also as an experimental "carbon station" for testing various technologies to reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, as well as technologies for regenerative, that is, restorative, agriculture.
Rector of Tyumen State University Ivan Romanchuk told TASS why Tyumen State University was chosen to create the first such carbon test site, what research is planned to be conducted on its basis, how the project will expand and where the results of said research will be applied.
Why Tyumen State University was at the forefront
In February, a Presidential Decree "On Measures to Implement the State Scientific and Technical Policy in the Field of Russia's Environmental Development and Climate Change" appears, and on its basis, by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Science, a federal chain of pilot carbon testing grounds begins to be set up. Tyumen State University was chosen as the site for the first of them. According to the rector, there are several reasons for this.
First of all, the university is implementing a project of a carbon testing ground within the framework of the Interregional West Siberian Science Center as part of a large circle of already established partnerships: scientific, university, international, industrial. In addition, the testing site is located in the specially protected natural area of Guzeneevo reserve, where Tyumen State University's biological station is located. The variety of ecosystems makes the test site convenient for developing methodological, instrumental approaches, and for conducting training programs.
About the prospects and possibilities of the carbon testing site
According to Ivan Romanchuk, the testing ground is not only a site for measuring flows of climatically active gases, but also a "carbon station" for testing various technologies for biosequesting carbon for regenerative agriculture.
The first site is just the first step in the construction of an ecological and climatic transect across the whole of Russia from north to south. In the future, testing grounds and stations will appear in Tobolsk, in Khanty-Mansi and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous regions, says the head of the university. Tyumen State University is planned to perform a coordinating function for the chain of carbon polygons of West Siberian Scientific and Educational Center.
According to Ivan Romanchuk, the testing ground in Ugra will be opened on the basis of Mukhrino field station of Ugra State University, an international research site for studying the impact of climate change on wetland ecosystems. The location of the first carbon testing ground in the Arctic — "Seven Larches" — will be a site adjacent to the tower of the radar station near the town of Labytnangi. The tower's height (198.6 m) will allow observation of a significant territory of Western Siberia and conduct unique observations of the state of the atmosphere.
Who will conduct research in new laboratories
A special role in the coordination of carbon research is assigned to new university laboratories set up under federal and regional mega-grants: “CarboRus” under the leadership of Professor of the University of Göttingen Yakov Kuzyakov, which aims to establish carbon stocks in Russian soils and the role of microorganisms in the carbon cycle, and “AquaBioSafe” headed by the leading researcher of the Institute of Biology of Inland Waters Denis Tikhonenkov, who studies the functional relationships of aquatic organisms. In addition, according to Romanchuk, a pool of new educational programs is being created for Russian testing grounds: an international master's program in regenerative land use under an EU grant; joint educational programs with Higher School of Economics, as well as a new program of additional education for organizations-operators of carbon testing grounds.
What is expected from carbon testing grounds
The testing ground covers the types of ecosystems most typical for the region: various types of forests, lakes, swamps, agricultural lands. This allows researchers to study in detail and assess the sequestration potential of each ecosystem, says Ivan Romanchuk. Scientists plan to develop the most effective combinations of plant species and varieties for each ecosystem in terms of carbon dioxide absorption. The results of the work will be used in the implementation of reforestation projects, the development of the agro-industrial complex, as well as in the creation of special carbon farms — areas with an increased absorbing capacity of carbon dioxide.