Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Organo-mineral associations largely contribute to the stabilization of century-old pyrogenic organic matter in cropland soils

Victor Burgeon, Julien Fouché, Jens Leifeld, Claire Chenu, Jean‐Thomas Cornelis

Geoderma · 2020

Read source ↗ All evidence

Summary

This study investigates the mechanisms by which organo-mineral associations stabilise century-old pyrogenic organic matter in arable cropland soils. By examining long-established field sites, the authors as suggested by the title demonstrate that mineral-organic binding is a primary factor preserving ancient charred organic material against microbial decomposition, with implications for understanding soil carbon persistence and historical land management impacts on soil carbon stocks.

UK applicability

UK soils with long cultivation histories and potential legacy pyrogenic organic matter (from historical charring practices, biomass burning, or soil amendments) may exhibit similar stabilisation mechanisms. The findings are relevant to UK soil carbon monitoring and predictions of soil organic matter persistence under continued arable management.

Key measures

Organo-mineral association strength, pyrogenic organic matter concentration, carbon stabilisation mechanisms, soil mineral composition

Outcomes reported

The study examined how organo-mineral associations contribute to the long-term stabilisation of pyrogenic organic matter (charcoal and char-like substances) in century-old cropland soils. The research quantified the role of mineral-organic interactions in protecting aged pyrogenic carbon from decomposition.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil carbon & organic matter
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Europe
System type
Arable cereals
DOI
10.1016/j.geoderma.2020.114841
Catalogue ID
BFmovi21by-lscu7d

Topic tags

Pulse AI · ask about this record

Dig deeper with Pulse AI.

Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.