Soil Respiration and Student Inquiry: A Perfect Match

ABSTRACT

This activity explores the cycling of carbon between the atmosphere (primarily as CO₂) and biomass in plants, animals, and microscopic organisms. Students design soil respiration experiments using a protocol that resembles current practice in soil ecology. Three methods for measuring soil respiration are presented. Student-derived questions direct soil research projects.

KEYWORDS:

• carbon cycling
• soil respiration
• student-designed projects