Summary
This global meta-analysis of paired-site comparisons demonstrates that converting annual cropland to perennial crops increases soil organic carbon by an average of 20% in the top 30 cm over 20 years, with woody perennial crops showing the strongest accumulation. The study also found that conversion from natural pasture or forest to perennial crops generally decreased SOC stocks, with effects varying by soil depth and crop type. Temperature emerged as the primary driver of SOC dynamics, with implications for the role of perennial cropping in climate change mitigation strategies.
UK applicability
The findings are relevant to UK policy interest in perennialization and carbon sequestration, particularly regarding conversion of arable land to perennial grassland or woody crops. However, the global dataset may not fully capture UK-specific soil conditions, climate, and agronomic practices, so local validation studies would strengthen applicability to British farming systems.
Key measures
Soil organic carbon stocks (Mg/ha) at 0–30 cm and 0–100 cm soil depth; percentage change in SOC following land use conversion; temporal SOC accumulation over the perennial crop cycle
Outcomes reported
The study quantified changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks following conversion from annual to perennial crops, and from natural pasture or forest to perennial crops, across a global paired-comparison dataset. It developed an empirical model to predict SOC dynamics as a function of time, land use type, and site characteristics.
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