New steps to measure greenhouse gases.

• Position: Your Life - Brief article

The Department of Agriculture has released a report that, for the first time, provides uniform scientific methods for quantifying the changes in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and carbon storage from various land management and conservation activities. It is designed to help USDA evaluate current and future greenhouse gas conservation programs, as well as develop new tools and update existing ones to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners participate in these emerging carbon markets.

"America's farm, ranch, and forest managers are stewards of the land, and have long recognized the significance of managing soil health, plant productivity, and animal nutrition. Conservation practices and other management changes can reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon storage while improving soil health, productivity, and resilience to drought and other extreme weather," says Robert Bonnie, undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment.

"In partnership...