Effects of greenhouse gas (GHG) on the global environment.
Grassland ecosystems function as sinks and sources of GHG (i.e., methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide). To refine the accuracy of estimation of GHG emissions in grassland, it is essential to investigate the relationship between managements (i.e., introduced species, grassland renewal, grazing, manure application etc.) and GHG sink-source functions, and clarify the spatial and temporal variations of the fluxes. Our unit pursues research with the aims to present the managements with less GHG emissions and to estimate the mitigation potentials.
Estimating changes in the cultivation zone and productivity of forage grass cultivation in Japan.
We construct production models of grasses using neural network and make database of 1km x 1km unit, then estimate changes in the cultivation zone and productivity of forage grass cultivation in Japan according to some global warming scenarios.
Evaluation of biodiversity and ecosystem service in Japanese grasslands.
Grassland ecosystem has various types from an artificial grassland (intensive use) to a semi-natural grassland (extensive use) in Japan. Therefore, we evaluate the influence which the degree of intensive use has on the biodiversity and ecosystem service of grasslands. In addition, we develop the grassland management for livestock to demonstrate rich biodiversity and ecosystem service.
Development of radioactive contamination countermeasure in grassland.
We have been developing the studies and technical development for use resumption in the grassland which was polluted by radioactive materials by the Tokyo Electric Power Corporation Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident which got up in March, 2011.
With this view, we have been studying for reduction radioactive cesium of grass from polluted soil as follows;
1)Decontamination method of grassland from radioactive cesium
2)Potassium application methods and the use of material, which contributes for reduction of radioactive cesium in grass.
