Summary
This study provides a spatially explicit assessment of soil carbon stocks and losses across Uruguay's agricultural landscape, comparing three methodological approaches to estimate reference SOC levels and quantify management-induced changes. Using biogeochemical simulation (DayCent), pedotransfer functions, and remote sensing indices, the authors mapped zones of varying SOC depletion and identified substantial heterogeneity in carbon sequestration potential across soil units and land-use gradients. The work proposes a methodological framework for farm-level carbon footprinting that integrates process-based models with landscape-scale remote sensing data.
UK applicability
The three-method approach to characterising reference SOC and quantifying losses could be adapted to UK temperate grassland and mixed arable-livestock systems, though climate, soil types, and management histories differ substantially. The remote sensing and DayCent modelling components may be transferable; the pedotransfer equation would require UK-specific parameterisation.
Key measures
Soil organic carbon stocks; SOC loss categories (≤25%, 25–50%, >50% relative to reference); carbon stock preserved (CSP) belowground; carbon accumulation potential (CAP); comparison across three reference SOC estimation methods
Outcomes reported
The study quantified soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks across non-forested areas of Uruguay and estimated SOC losses relative to reference levels using three methodological approaches (soil equations, DayCent modelling, and remote sensing proxies). It mapped spatial variation in carbon loss severity and assessed potential for carbon sequestration under different agricultural management practices.
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