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Unlocking complex soil systems as carbon sinks: multi-pool management as the key

Author

Listed:
  • Gerrit Angst

    (German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig
    Leipzig University
    Institute of Soil Biology & Biogeochemistry)

  • Kevin E. Mueller

    (Cleveland State University)

  • Michael J. Castellano

    (Iowa State University)

  • Cordula Vogel

    (Institute of Soil Science and Site Ecology, TU Dresden)

  • Martin Wiesmeier

    (Soil and Resource Management, Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture
    Technical University of Munich)

  • Carsten W. Mueller

    (University of Copenhagen)

Abstract

Much research focuses on increasing carbon storage in mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM), in which carbon may persist for centuries to millennia. However, MAOM-targeted management is insufficient because the formation pathways of persistent soil organic matter are diverse and vary with environmental conditions. Effective management must also consider particulate organic matter (POM). In many soils, there is potential for enlarging POM pools, POM can persist over long time scales, and POM can be a direct precursor of MAOM. We present a framework for context-dependent management strategies that recognizes soils as complex systems in which environmental conditions constrain POM and MAOM formation.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerrit Angst & Kevin E. Mueller & Michael J. Castellano & Cordula Vogel & Martin Wiesmeier & Carsten W. Mueller, 2023. "Unlocking complex soil systems as carbon sinks: multi-pool management as the key," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-38700-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38700-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    1. Liu, Jieyun & Qiu, Husen & He, Shuai & Tian, Guangli, 2024. "Long-term mulched drip irrigation facilitates soil organic carbon stabilization and the dominance of microbial stochastic assembly processes," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 302(C).
    2. Li, Shuoshuo & Liu, Yaobin & Wei, Guoen & Bi, Mo & He, Bao-Jie, 2024. "Carbon surplus or carbon deficit under land use transformation in China?," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
    3. Zhenrui Zhang & Hui Gao & Xiaoxia Gao & Shurui Huang & Shuli Niu & Emanuele Lugato & Xinghui Xia, 2025. "Short-term warming supports mineral-associated carbon accrual in abandoned croplands," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    4. Gerrit Angst & Anton Potapov & François-Xavier Joly & Šárka Angst & Jan Frouz & Pierre Ganault & Nico Eisenhauer, 2024. "Conceptualizing soil fauna effects on labile and stabilized soil organic matter," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-16, December.
    5. Emily D. Whalen & A. Stuart Grandy & Kevin M. Geyer & Eric W. Morrison & Serita D. Frey, 2024. "Microbial trait multifunctionality drives soil organic matter formation potential," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-16, December.

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