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Review
. 2023 Jun 15;14(1):2967.
doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-38700-5.

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

Gerrit Angst  1   2   3 , Kevin E Mueller  4 , Michael J Castellano  5 , Cordula Vogel  6 , Martin Wiesmeier  7   8 , Carsten W Mueller  9
Affiliations
Review

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

Gerrit Angst et al. Nat Commun. .

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.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Systems approach for the contextualization of carbon-focused management strategies.
Management strategies that are adapted to prevailing environmental conditions (i.e., following the systems approach) should be maintained, while strategies not well-adapted to site-specific conditions (i.e., uninformed) can be improved (first double circle from the upper left). The optimal management strategy depends on whether the soil has a carbon (C)-saturated mineral phase (second double circle) and favorable conditions for biotic transformation of organic matter and retention of mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM; third double circle). Recommended management strategies are indicated in boxes and examples provided in the bullet points below. POM particulate organic matter, SOM soil organic matter. Some elements in this figure adapted from Angst et al..
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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