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 agricultural experiments, conducted across diverse farming systems and management practices, documents trends in soil organic carbon content. The study synthesises data from multiple field trials to characterise SOC dynamics under varying conditions, as suggested by the title's focus on 'loss' and the breadth of management practices examined. Findings are intended to inform understanding of how management choices influence soil carbon sustainability in European temperate systems.

UK applicability

Results from Swiss temperate and altitude-variable conditions may have direct relevance to UK lowland and upland soils under comparable management regimes, particularly for cereal and mixed farming systems. The diversity of practices studied could help contextualise UK long-term trial data and inform soil carbon policy and advisory recommendations.

Key measures

Soil organic carbon stocks and changes over time; management practice categories

Outcomes reported

The study examined changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks over time across multiple long-term agricultural experiments in Switzerland, encompassing a wide range of management practices. As suggested by the title, the research quantified SOC losses or gains under different farming systems and management regimes.

Topic tags