Summary
This global meta-analysis quantifies soil organic carbon dynamics under perennial crop systems using a harmonised dataset of paired empirical observations. Converting from annual cropping to perennial crops increased SOC by 20% in the top 30 cm (6.0 Mg/ha) and 10% across the full 0–100 cm profile over approximately 20 years, with woody perennials showing particularly strong accumulation. The findings support perennial cropping as a climate mitigation strategy, though conversion from natural pasture or forest showed mixed or negative SOC outcomes depending on soil depth, highlighting the importance of baseline land use and site-specific factors.
UK applicability
The findings are broadly applicable to UK conditions for perennial crop establishment, particularly for woody systems and perennial grasses in arable rotations; however, the dataset's global composition means UK-specific validation would strengthen confidence in regional SOC projections. Temperature emerged as a primary driver, which may influence the magnitude of SOC gains in cooler UK climates compared to warmer regions.
Key measures
Soil organic carbon stocks (Mg/ha) at 0–30 cm and 0–100 cm soil depths; percentage changes in SOC following land use conversion; temporal accumulation rates; drivers of SOC dynamics (temperature, crop age, soil bulk density, clay content, depth)
Outcomes reported
The study quantified changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks when converting from annual to perennial crops, and modelled temporal SOC dynamics as a function of time, land use type, and site characteristics. It measured SOC at multiple soil depths (0–30 cm and 0–100 cm) across perennial grasses, palms, and woody plants used for bioenergy, food, and other bio-products.
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