Summary
This study demonstrates that mineral availability—particularly the abundance of short-range-ordered mineral phases—is a critical regulator of soil carbon stabilisation. Through three decades-long field experiments coupled with mechanistic microcosm and isotopic labelling studies, the authors show that organic amendments and living roots promote the formation of SRO minerals through exudation of citric acid, which in turn increases the soil's capacity to bind and retain carbon. The findings suggest that managing mineral availability through organic amendments may establish a positive feedback loop enhancing long-term soil carbon storage.
UK applicability
The mechanisms identified are likely applicable to UK soils, particularly those receiving long-term organic amendments or managed under regenerative practices. However, the study's specific field sites and their soil types are not identified in the abstract, so direct UK field applicability would require site-specific assessment of mineral composition and amendment types relevant to British agricultural contexts.
Key measures
Mineral availability and short-range-ordered (SRO) mineral phase abundance; soil carbon storage capacity; citric acid promotion of mineral transformation; isotopic labelling of carbon retention to SRO minerals
Outcomes reported
The study demonstrated that organic amendments significantly increased mineral availability, particularly short-range-ordered (SRO) mineral phases, in three long-term field experiments (23, 154, and 170 years). Microcosm and isotopic labelling experiments showed that root exudates (citric acid) promote SRO mineral formation, which act as nuclei for soil carbon retention.
Topic tags
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