Article
Soil Science
Anna M. Cates, Andrea Jilling, Malak M. Tfaily, Randall D. Jackson
Summary: Understanding the effects of temperature and moisture treatments on the composition of soil organic carbon is important for C and climate change modeling. This study analyzed the chemical composition of different aggregate fractions under different temperature and moisture treatments. The results showed that the composition of organic matter varied among different fractions, and both temperature and moisture had significant effects on the abundance of different carbon compounds. Moisture had the most pronounced effect on the composition of carbon within aggregates, while temperature had a stronger influence on carbon content in the silt and clay fractions.
Article
Soil Science
Shaofei Wang, Xiaodong Gao, Min Yang, Li Zhang, Xianzhi Wang, Pute Wu, Xining Zhao
Summary: The study found that increasing precipitation promotes organic C sequestration in deep soils, and apple orchards have a greater capacity for SOC sequestration compared to arable lands. The SOC sequestration in deep soils for MAP = 422 mm was almost twice as great as that for MAP = 606 mm. Additionally, lower precipitation leads to higher efficiency of SOC sequestration in deep soils.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haiming Tang, Kaikai Cheng, Lihong Shi, Chao Li, Li Wen, Weiyan Li, Mei Sun, Geng Sun, Zedong Long
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different long-term fertilizer managements on soil carbon sequestration and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in the double-cropping rice system in southern China. The results showed that using rice straw and organic manure managements increased soil carbon content and improved rice NUE. Long-term application of rice straw and organic manure managements in double-cropping rice fields can increase soil carbon sequestration and enhance rice NUE.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Brent J. Dalzell, Cinzia Fissore, Edward A. Nater
Summary: To accurately assess soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in agroecosystems, sampling strategies should consider topographic variability and soil redistribution through erosion and deposition. This study used digital elevation models (DEMs) to determine primary terrain attributes for guiding sampling in cultivated fields and nearby grasslands. Results showed that digital terrain attribute values were important for predicting SOC stocks in both cropland and grassland soils, with profile and planform curvature being significant factors. The study also found that soil movement can explain SOC variability in upland soils.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jianxiang Yin, Ling Zhao, Xiaoyun Xu, Deping Li, Hao Qiu, Xinde Cao
Summary: This study assessed the long-term carbon sequestration potential of biochar by integrating complex physical and biochemical processes. The results showed that biochar could effectively retain carbon and enhance plant growth, but it also limited the release of endogenous nutrients.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Baerbel Kroschewski, Christel Richter, Michael Baumecker, Timo Kautz
Summary: The study aims to quantify the temporal change of soil organic carbon content in a dry sandy arable soil under different agricultural management practices and determine the carbon sequestration potential. Results show that agricultural management has a relevant impact on soil carbon stocks, with straw return contributing to carbon sequestration even in rotations with low potential for organic matter reproduction. High mineral nitrogen fertilization is not an effective measure for carbon sequestration in these soils.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Wen Zhang, Yeming You, Xiaoyan Su, Jinliu Yan, Guannv Gao, Angang Ming, Weijun Shen, Xueman Huang
Summary: The conversion from monoculture plantation to mixed forests improves soil properties and increases soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. However, the effects of introducing N2-fixing tree species in Eucalyptus plantations on SOC composition, transformation, and microbial properties are poorly understood. Our study found that introducing N2-fixing tree species increased the content of SOC fractions and the proportion of recalcitrant C pool in soil aggregates compared to pure Eucalyptus plantations.
Article
Soil Science
D. J. Burger, S. L. Bauke, W. Amelung, M. Sommer
Summary: Erosion of fertile topsoil leads to land degradation and yield loss, but a long-term field experiment in NE Germany shows that reformation of fertile topsoil and increase in crop yield is possible through good agricultural management within a few decades.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuling Chen, Thimo Klotzbuecher, Oliver J. Lechtenfeld, Hanlie Hong, Chongxuan Liu, Klaus Kaiser, Christian Mikutta, Robert Mikutta
Summary: The study found that repeated sorption of identical DOM solutions led to a stabilization in MOM formation efficiency, while depletion of high-affinity compounds further decreased MOM formation efficiency. Although continued exchange between DOM and MOM molecules altered the composition of DOM, it did not impact MOM formation efficiencies. The interactions between the sorptivities of DOM components and mineral surface chemistry explain the legacy effects that regulate fluxes and distribution of organic matter in the soil.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Zsolt Kotroczo, Istvan Fekete, Katalin Juhos, Nandor Prettl, Priyo Adi Nugroho, Gabor Varbiro, Borbala Biro, Tamas Kocsis
Summary: Global climate change affects soil decomposition processes through changes in temperature, precipitation, and biomass production, leading to alterations in soil organic matter and carbon stocks. Our research examines the effects of litter input changes on decomposition processes and soil carbon storage capacity, using various soil-biological indicators. The results highlight the importance of specific organic matter for enhancing soil biological activity and carbon content.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cheng Ji, Shuyi Yang, Ying Cheng, Lin Liu, Daohan Wang, Shujing Zhu, E. Tao, Yun Li
Summary: In this study, biochar was prepared using waste dander and CaSa(4) was generated on its surface to enhance soil carbon sequestration ability. The results showed that the application of Ca-BC reduced soil organic carbon mineralization rate, increased soil moisture content and organic carbon content. Bioinformatics analysis also revealed a shift in bacterial phyla with the application of Ca-BC.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Kurt O. Reinhart, Matthew J. Rinella, Hilaire S. Sanni Worogo, Richard C. Waterman, Lance T. Vermeire
Summary: Identifying grazing practices that maximize food production and soil carbon sequestration is globally important. This study tested the effects of five grazing treatments on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and found that new grazing practices can increase SOC accrual. The results indicate that SOC accrual is mainly associated with factors related to decreased SOC mineralization. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of pre-treatment data for reliable results in little-replicated RCTs.
Article
Agronomy
Zhenxing Yan, Wenying Zhang, Qingsuo Wang, Enke Liu, Dongbao Sun, Binhui Liu, Xiu Liu, Xurong Mei
Summary: Elaborate water and fertilization management is important for maintaining high agricultural productivity and a sound ecological environment. This study found that both irrigation and manure application significantly increased soil organic carbon accumulation. The different forms of organic carbon were affected differently, with particulate organic carbon mainly influenced by manure application in the surface soil and dissolved organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon primarily affected by irrigation in the deep soil. The interaction between irrigation and fertilization did not have a significant effect on soil organic carbon stocks and labile organic carbon concentrations.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Helen C. S. Amorim, Luis C. C. Hurtarte, Ivan F. Souza, Yuri L. Zinn
Summary: C:N ratios are widely used as indicators for the chemical composition and quality of soil organic matter, but their response to environmental factors is still poorly understood. This study collected data from 74 studies conducted between 1980 and 2019, covering a wide range of environmental settings, and found that soil organic carbon and total nitrogen contents were mainly controlled by macroscale climatic drivers, while soil C:N ratios were more responsive to microscale factors such as soil particle-size distribution.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Christopher O. Anuo, Jennifer A. Cooper, Katja Koehler-Cole, Salvador Ramirez, Michael Kaiser
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of five years of winter cover cropping on soil organic carbon and nitrogen storage in a corn-soybean rotation in Nebraska. The results showed that cover cropping did not affect gaseous and leaching losses, as well as bulk soil organic carbon and nitrogen storage, but had a positive effect on the amount of water-extractable organic matter.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Erik Andersson, Wiebren J. Boonstra, Maricela de la Torre Castro, Alice C. Hughes, Ulrik Ilstedt, Arne Jernelov, Bengt-Gunnar Jonsson, Zahra Kalantari, Carina Keskitalo, Emma Kritzberg, Thomas Katterer, Jeffrey A. McNeely, Claudia Mohr, Tero Mustonen, Madelene Ostwald, Victoria Reyes-Garcia, Graciela M. Rusch, Angelina Sanderson Bellamy, Jesper Stage, Michael Tedengren, David N. Thomas, Angela Wulff, Bo Soderstrom
Article
Soil Science
Jumpei Fukumasu, Nick Jarvis, John Koestel, Thomas Katterer, Mats Larsbo
Summary: This study explores the relationship between soil organic carbon (SOC) and pore size distribution (PSD) in arable soil. Using X-ray tomography and soil water retention, we quantified a wide range of PSD. The results show positive correlations between SOC and porosities in the 0.2-720 μm diameter classes. Porosities in the 0.2-5 μm and 480-720 μm diameter classes are more strongly correlated with SOC than clay. These findings have implications for improving estimates of the effects of SOC sequestration on soil water dynamics.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elisa Bruni, Bertrand Guenet, Hugues Clivot, Thomas Katterer, Manuel Martin, Inigo Virto, Claire Chenu
Summary: This study analyzed the effect of exogenous organic matter (EOM) inputs on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and examined different approaches to calculate quantitative targets proposed by the EU Mission Board for Soil Health and Food. The results showed that the calculation method significantly influenced the estimated additional carbon input required to achieve each target. The quality of carbon input also played a significant role in SOC stock variation.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Jordi Escuer-Gatius, Krista Lohmus, Merrit Shanskiy, Karin Kauer, Hanna Vahter, Ulo Mander, Alar Astover, Kaido Soosaar
Summary: The main C and N fluxes of a winter rapeseed field in Central Estonia were quantified for one year. The study found that the field was a net C sink, but had N losses due to N outputs exceeding inputs. It also identified greenhouse gas emissions and leaching losses as major sources of uncertainty.
NUTRIENT CYCLING IN AGROECOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Veiko Uri, Mai Kukumagi, Jurgen Aosaar, Mats Varik, Hardo Becker, Kristiina Aun, Krista Lohmus, Kaido Soosaar, Alar Astover, Marek Uri, Mikko Buht, Agnes Sepaste, Allar Padari
Summary: The impact of stand age on the ecosystem's carbon budget and post-harvest recovery of carbon storages and fluxes was evaluated in a chronosequence of Scots pine stands. The study found effective carbon accumulation in young and middle-aged stands, which leveled out in older stands. Soil heterotrophic respiration remained stable along the chronosequence, while net ecosystem production followed the dynamics of tree biomass production. The total ecosystem carbon stocks peaked in older stands, but soil carbon stocks varied regardless of stand age. The post-harvest carbon compensation point was reached at 7 years, and carbon payback occurred at 11-12 years.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Tanel Vahter, Siim-Kaarel Sepp, Alar Astover, Aveliina Helm, Tambet Kikas, Siqiao Liu, Jane Oja, Maarja Opik, Priit Penu, Martti Vasar, Eve Veromann, Martin Zobel, Inga Hiiesalu
Summary: In this study, the relationships between commonly applied agricultural practices and soil fungal diversity were examined in 78 arable fields in Estonia. It was found that fertilizer type and pesticide use frequency significantly influenced soil fungal diversity, while tillage regime had no significant effect. Additionally, a larger proportion of uncropped landscape elements in fields was associated with higher soil fungal richness. The interactions between fertilizer type and pesticide use frequency were also significant and could lead to amplified negative effects on soil fungal species richness.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Sandra Parnpuu, Alar Astover, Tonu Tonutare, Priit Penu, Karin Kauer
Summary: Soil organic matter (SOM) is an important indicator of soil quality, and its lability and degradation level vary among different soil types. This study used FTIR spectroscopy to investigate the composition of SOM in Estonian arable soils. The results showed differences in SOM lability and degradation level among different soil types, and certain functional groups and parameters had different correlations with SOC and WEOC concentration.
Article
Agronomy
Thomas Katterer, Dries Roobroeck, Geoffrey Kimutai, Erik Karltun, Gert Nyberg, Cecilia Sundberg, Kristina Roing de Nowina
Summary: Applying biochar to degraded cropland soils in the African tropics has the potential to enhance crop productivity and mitigate climate change. A study conducted in different locations in Kenya demonstrated that locally produced biochar from biomass wastes can improve agricultural production and carbon storage under various pedo-climatic conditions.
AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Letter
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ji Chen, Yiqi Luo, Thomas Katterer, Jorgen Eivind Olesen
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Gizachew Tarekegn Getahun, Thomas Katterer, Lars Juhl Munkholm, Katrin Rychel, Holger Kirchmann
Summary: This study found that integrating subsoil management into tillage regimes can access additional resources of water and nutrients, sustaining crop production. However, arable subsoil often lacks nutrients and carbon, and is compacted, affecting root growth and yield. Loosening the upper subsoil and injecting straw improved soil properties but had no significant effect on crop yield.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Elisa Bruni, Claire Chenu, Rose Z. Abramoff, Guido Baldoni, Dietmar Barkusky, Hugues Clivot, Yuanyuan Huang, Thomas Katterer, Dorota Pikula, Heide Spiegel, Inigo Virto, Bertrand Guenet
Summary: This study estimated the additional carbon input needed to increase soil organic carbon stocks in European agricultural experiments by 4% per year, and found that water-related variables have a significant impact on the predictability of carbon input in soil organic carbon models.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Axel Don, Felix Seidel, Jens Leifeld, Thomas Katterer, Manuel Martin, Sylvain Pellerin, David Emde, Daria Seitz, Claire Chenu
Summary: Carbon sequestration is the removal of carbon from the atmosphere and storage in soils, which is important for mitigating climate change. However, the term is often used misleadingly, leading to exaggerated expectations. While soils have the potential to absorb carbon, many are experiencing continuous loss, highlighting the need for accurate terminology to distinguish different processes.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Niel Verbrigghe, Niki I. W. Leblans, Bjarni D. Sigurdsson, Sara Vicca, Chao Fang, Lucia Fuchslueger, Jennifer L. Soong, James T. Weedon, Christopher Poeplau, Cristina Ariza-Carricondo, Michael Bahn, Bertrand Guenet, Per Gundersen, Gunnhildur E. Gunnarsdottir, Thomas Kaetterer, Zhanfeng Liu, Marja Maljanen, Sara Maranon-Jimenez, Kathiravan Meeran, Edda S. Oddsdottir, Ivika Ostonen, Josep Penuelas, Andreas Richter, Jordi Sardans, Pall Sigurthsson, Margaret S. Torn, Peter M. Van Bodegom, Erik Verbruggen, Tom W. N. Walker, Hakan Wallander, Ivan A. Janssens
Summary: Global warming may lead to carbon transfers from soils to the atmosphere, but the effect on subsoils is uncertain. An experiment in subarctic grasslands showed that soil organic carbon stocks decline with warming, with most reduction occurring within the first 5 years. Continued warming no longer reduced carbon stocks. The loss of carbon was mainly observed in the topsoil, while the subsoil showed conservation of carbon stocks. These depth-dependent warming responses highlight the importance of vertical resolution in accurately predicting future soil organic carbon stocks.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kajsa Henryson, Katharina H. E. Meurer, Martin A. Bolinder, Thomas Katterer, Pernilla Tidaker
Summary: This study used data from a Swedish soil monitoring program and farm census to analyze the changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations and stocks on dairy farms compared with other farm types. The results showed that small changes in SOC can have a significant impact on the climate footprint of milk.
Article
Environmental Studies
Ilaria Piccoli, Till Seehusen, Jenny Bussell, Olga Vizitu, Irina Calciu, Antonio Berti, Gunnar Borjesson, Holger Kirchmann, Thomas Katterer, Felice Sartori, Chris Stoate, Felicity Crotty, Ioanna S. Panagea, Abdallah Alaoui, Martin A. Bolinder
Summary: Soil compaction is a major threat to agriculture in Europe, affecting various ecosystem functions. Short-term case studies conducted in different locations within the SoilCare project showed that soil-improving cropping systems (SICSs) have promising potential in mitigating soil compaction. However, the effects of SICSs on yields were generally small, and there were difficulties in implementing these systems. Further refinement and evaluation of SICSs under different pedoclimatic conditions are needed.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Jiarui Zhao, Xiaohu Yuan, Zhanjun Liu, Haotian Shi, Bingnian Zhai, Yuanjun Zhu
Summary: Overfertilization is common in rainfed apple orchards on China's Loess Plateau, but its impacts on soil physicochemical properties in deep soil profiles are poorly understood. This study found that different land-use types showed divergent distribution patterns in soil properties, with low variability for SWC and pH, moderate variability for NH4+-N, AP, and AK, and high variability for SOC, NO3--N, and EC. The results also showed that fertilization influenced soil water content, NO3--N, AP, and AK, and NO3--N played a crucial role in regulating pH and EC. Soil profiles were useful for studying the evolution of soil quality.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Daniel Nyfeler, Olivier Huguenin-Elie, Emmanuel Frossard, Andreas Luscher
Summary: Grass-legume mixtures combine high yields, low fertiliser requirements, and low nitrate leaching better than either pure grass or pure legume swards, both during the intact plant cover and after tilling for the subsequent crop.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Martin Faucher, Seraphine Grellier, Clemence Chaudron, Jean-Louis Janeau, Gabrielle Rudi, Fabrice Vinatier
Summary: The Mediterranean region is expected to experience more intense rainfall events and severe droughts due to climate change, leading to an increase in runoff and erosion rates in agrosystems. Vegetation cover can help reduce erosion and the soil seed bank can provide cost-effective vegetation. This study assessed the effect of vegetation cover on seed loss in vineyards and evaluated the differences in the soil seed bank along a transect. The results suggest that vegetation may not protect interrows from runoff-induced seed loss.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Christian Thierfelder, Blessing Mhlanga, Isaiah Nyagumbo, Kelvin Kalala, Esau Simutowe, Mazvita Chiduwa, Chloe Maclaren, Joao Vasco Silva, Hambulo Ngoma
Summary: The performance of different maize-legume diversification strategies was compared in southern Africa. Intercropping systems showed significant nutritional and economic benefits, but had higher labor requirements compared to other cropping systems. Soil organic carbon content and pH were not affected by the tested cropping systems.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Han Chen, Han Li, Yizhao Wei, Edward Mcbean, Hong Liang, Weimin Wang, Jinhui Jeanne Huang
Summary: This research introduces a hybrid four-sub-deep neural network (HFSD) model for partitioning NEE into GPP and ER. The HFSD employs dual sub-deep neural networks to estimate ERa and ERb and incorporates GPP and environmental variables to predict vegetation transpiration. The results of the model show that the dual sub-DNNs architecture enhances the accuracy of ER simulations, while using EC-derived T as a constraint improves the accuracy of GPP simulations. Correlation analyses suggest that solar radiation and air temperature primarily influence the seasonal variations in GPP and ER, while soil moisture has a strong impact during dry seasons. This study advances the biophysical description of data-driven models for NEE partitioning and enhances the accuracy of GPP and ER estimates.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Michael Glaser, Stefan Dullinger, Dietmar Moser, Johannes Wessely, Milan Chytry, Zdenka Lososova, Irena Axmanova, Christian Berg, Jana Buerger, Serge Buholzer, Fabrizio Buldrini, Alessandro Chiarucci, Swen Follak, Filip Kuezmic, Stefan Meyer, Petr Pysek, Nina Richner, Urban Silc, Siegrid Steinkellner, Alexander Wietzke, Franz Essl
Summary: This study investigated changes in vascular plant species in Central European arable fields and their edges from 1930 to 2019. The results showed a small decline in overall species occupancy, but a more pronounced species turnover. Species with environmental preferences for nutrient-rich sites with neutral pH increased in occupancy, while species typical for arable fields decreased. No response to climate change was observed, and there was a decrease in archaeophytes and native species and an increase in neophytes.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Thomas Abrell, Krishna Naudin, Felix J. J. A. Bianchi, Debora Veiga Aragao, Pablo Tittonell, Marc Corbeels
Summary: This study demonstrates that reducing fallow periods in shifting cultivation systems in the Eastern Amazon region has negative effects on soil fertility and weed pressure, posing a threat to the sustainability and productivity of local farming systems.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Jun Wang, Lu Lv, Ronggui Hu, Haiyang Ma, Bo Liu, Wenju Zhang, Lei Wu
Summary: Nitrification and denitrification are crucial for nitrogen losses in agricultural soils and are affected by soil properties. This study investigated the patterns and controlling factors of nitrification and denitrification potentials in paddy soils in major rice-producing areas of Hubei Province, China. The results showed that soil pH and SOC were the primary factors regulating nitrification and denitrification potentials, respectively.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Olga Fishkis, Jessica Weller, Jorn Lehmhus, Franz Pollinger, Jorn Strassemeyer, Heinz -Josef Koch
Summary: The Farm to Fork strategy of the European Union aims to reduce pesticide use and replace chemical measures with mechanical methods in weed control. However, there is currently no comprehensive evaluation of the ecological and economic parameters of mechanical methods. This study quantified these parameters for different weed control methods in sugar beet and found that no method can be considered fully environmentally friendly.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Mercedes Guerrero-Brotons, Nuria Perujo, Anna M. Romani, Rosa Gomez
Summary: Proper bed substrate selection is crucial for the performance of constructed wetlands, especially when treating drainage water with high nitrogen and low carbon and phosphorus concentrations. In a field-scale pilot plant, adding a carbon-rich substrate such as soil or biochar increased phosphorus availability in beds. Beds with soil displayed higher microbial density and activity, as well as better plant growth compared to gravel. These findings highlight the importance of selecting suitable substrates for treating irrigated agricultural water.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Beatrice Giannetta, Cesar Plaza, Giorgio Galluzzi, Iria Benavente-Ferraces, Juan Carlos Garcia-Gil, Marco Panettieri, Gabriel Gasco, Claudio Zaccone
Summary: This study examines the long-term effects of biochar application on soil organic C protection and finds that biochar, especially when combined with other amendments, has the potential to increase the content of particulate organic C and mineral-associated organic C in soils. The presence of ferrihydrite may mediate the positive effects on mineral-associated organic matter.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Emily Rose Waring, Carl Pederson, Ainis Lagzdins, Chelsea Clifford, Matthew J. Helmers
Summary: Addressing the global problem of eutrophication requires better management of inorganic nitrogen in the agricultural landscape. This study compares the effects of different tillage practices and cover crops on soil and water quality. The results show that the conventional tillage system is more effective in improving water quality and maintaining crop yields compared to other tillage practices. Additionally, the study reveals that the impact of tillage practices and cover crop growth methods on water and soil quality changes over time.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Annalisa Stevenson, Yakun Zhang, Jingyi Huang, Jie Hu, Keith Paustian, Alfred E. Hartemink
Summary: Considerable advances have been made in the assessment and mapping of soil organic carbon stocks. However, the rates of change in carbon stocks are influenced by various factors and need to be quantified. This study found that sandy soils under cultivation and forests have different organic carbon stocks. Factors such as tillage, irrigation, and nitrogen applications contribute to the decline in soil organic carbon stocks. Afforestation of abandoned cultivated fields can increase soil organic carbon, but it is still lower than soils under forest that have never been cultivated.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Zhiyuan Yao, Chuanxiong Huang, Huiling Hu, Tao Wang, Yulong Li, Xiaoming Sune, Sina Adl, Bo Zhu
Summary: Enhancing soil organic carbon levels through improved fertilization strategies is important for soil health and sustainable crop production. This study found that the relative abundance of organisms from higher trophic levels and increased network complexity in the soil micro-food webs are vital contributors to effective SOC accumulation.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Qing Qu, Lei Deng, Zhouping Shangguan, Jian Sun, Jinsheng He, Kaibo Wang, Zhengchao Zhou, Jiwei Li, Josep Penuelas
Summary: Grazing exclusion is a widely implemented strategy for restoring degraded grassland ecosystems and increasing carbon stocks. This study analyzed data from 199 experiments to understand the temporal responses and factors influencing plant and soil carbon stocks following grazing exclusion in different grassland ecosystems. The results showed that plant biomass carbon stocks and soil organic carbon stocks decreased exponentially or rationally with years since enclosure. Grazing exclusion had positive effects on aboveground biomass carbon, but the effects on belowground biomass and soil carbon were influenced by climate, initial carbon levels, and grazing exclusion duration. The response of carbon stocks to grazing exclusion stabilized after approximately 40 years, with soil carbon sequestration showing a lagged pattern compared to plant biomass carbon. The study highlighted the effectiveness of grazing exclusion in regions with low carbon content and non-water limited conditions. However, it might not be an effective measure to increase soil organic carbon stocks in water-limited areas like desert grasslands.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)