Loss of soil organic carbon in Swiss long-term agricultural experiments over a wide range of management practices

Summary

This multi-site analysis of Swiss long-term field experiments quantifies soil organic carbon decline across a wide spectrum of agricultural management systems. The paper presents as-suggested-by-title evidence that SOC loss occurs across conventional and organic systems alike, with implications for soil health and carbon sequestration in European temperate agriculture. The findings contribute to understanding which management practices most effectively stabilise or rebuild soil organic matter.

UK applicability

Given similar temperate climate, soil types, and farming systems between Switzerland and the UK, these findings on SOC dynamics and management-practice effects are likely directly relevant to UK agricultural policy and on-farm soil carbon accounting. The multi-system comparison may inform UK soil carbon standards and agronomic advisory guidance.

Key measures

Soil organic carbon content and loss rates; management practices (tillage, crop rotation, fertilisation, organic amendments)

Outcomes reported

The study assessed changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) across multiple long-term agricultural experiments in Switzerland, examining SOC loss trajectories under diverse management practices including conventional, organic, and integrated systems.

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