Root Mass in a Native Prairie

Did You Know?

Almost half of the root mass in a native prairie is carbon. Native plants' root systems are constantly dying and growing, and as the roots decompose, some of the carbon is released back into the atmosphere, but some is converted into organic matter.

During photosynthesis, plants take water from the soil through their roots and capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through tiny holes under the leaves called stomata.

When water and carbon dioxide enter the plant’s cells, the process begins to produce sugar and oxygen, the energy for the plant to live and grow. Plants sequester most of their carbon in the roots and soil.

The extra carbon the plant doesn’t need for growth is released through the roots and into the soil to feed microorganisms. Less than 30% of our carbon emissions have been captured by our forests, wildflower prairies, and grasslands.

Dotted Horsemint (Monarda punctata)