Summary
This long-term field study (1982–2017) from the DOK trial in Switzerland examined how contrasting fertilization regimes affect the stability and turnover of mineral-associated organic matter in temperate agricultural soil. Using radiocarbon dating and surface area analysis, the authors found that organic fertilisation (whether combined with mineral inputs or applied alone) maintains high MAOM-carbon content with faster turnover rates, whilst unfertilised and mineral-only systems showed significantly longer mean residence times but lower carbon stocks. The findings challenge the concept of MAOM as 'inert' carbon, instead supporting a 'dynamic stability' model where continuous organic inputs drive active cycling within the supposedly stable fraction.
UK applicability
These findings are relevant to UK temperate arable and mixed farming under similar soil types and climatic conditions. The results suggest that organic matter management practices—particularly the continuous application of organic fertilisers or composts—may enhance both carbon retention and biological activity in British agricultural soils, informing sustainable intensification and carbon sequestration policy.
Key measures
Specific surface area (SSA) of MAOM fractions (<6.3 μm); 14C activity and mean residence time (MRT); MAOM-C contents
Outcomes reported
The study measured mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) carbon content, specific surface area, radiocarbon activity, and mean residence time across four fertilization regimes over 35 years. It assessed how organic versus mineral fertilization affects MAOM stability and turnover dynamics in agricultural topsoil.
Topic tags
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.