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

Response of peat decomposition to corn straw addition in managed organic soils

Cédric Bader, Moritz Müller, Sönke Szidat, Rainer Schulin, Jens Leifeld

Geoderma · 2017

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Summary

This paper investigates the interaction between externally added organic residues (corn straw) and peat decomposition in managed organic soils, as suggested by the title and journal context. The work addresses a practical concern in peatland agriculture: whether supplementing these carbon-rich but biologically active soils with crop residues alters the rate at which native peat is decomposed—a key factor in soil carbon balance and greenhouse gas emissions from drained peatlands. The findings contribute to understanding carbon cycling in managed peat systems under organic farming practices.

UK applicability

The results are potentially relevant to UK peatland management, particularly in England and Scotland where organic farming on peat soils occurs. However, applicability depends on soil type similarity, climate conditions, and whether the management practices (corn cultivation and residue application) align with typical UK organic systems in peat regions.

Key measures

Peat decomposition rate; carbon mineralisation; effect of corn straw addition on organic matter turnover in managed peat soils

Outcomes reported

The study examined how the addition of corn straw affects the decomposition rate of peat in managed organic soils, likely measuring carbon loss, decomposition rates, or related soil carbon dynamics over time.

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
Switzerland
System type
Organic systems
DOI
10.1016/j.geoderma.2017.09.001
Catalogue ID
BFmovi21by-w4uy32

Topic tags

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