Summary
This study elucidates mechanisms by which mineral availability regulates soil carbon stabilisation, a poorly understood process critical to long-term carbon storage. Through analysis of three long-term field experiments (23–170 years) combined with controlled microcosm studies and isotopic tracing, the authors demonstrate that organic soil amendments enhance mineral availability and promote formation of short-range-ordered mineral phases. Root exudates, particularly citric acid, catalyse these mineral transformations, creating nucleation sites for carbon binding—suggesting a positive feedback loop whereby soil management practices can enhance carbon sequestration.
UK applicability
The findings are potentially applicable to UK soil management and carbon sequestration policy, particularly regarding the role of organic amendments in enhancing soil carbon storage capacity. However, the specific mineral compositions and weathering rates may vary in UK pedoclimatic conditions, and localised field validation would be necessary before informing UK agricultural guidance.
Key measures
Mineral availability and SRO phase quantification; soil carbon binding capacity; root exudate composition (citric acid); carbon retention on mineral surfaces; isotopic labeling of carbon
Outcomes reported
The study demonstrated that organic amendments significantly increased mineral availability, particularly short-range-ordered (SRO) mineral phases, across three long-term field experiments. Root exudates (specifically citric acid) promoted SRO mineral formation, which acted as binding sites for enhanced soil carbon retention.
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