Soil organic carbon response to global environmental change depends on its distribution between mineral-associated and particulate organic matter: A meta-analysis.

Summary

This meta-analysis synthesises studies examining soil organic carbon dynamics under global environmental change, with particular emphasis on how SOC partitioning between mineral-associated and particulate pools mediates system responses. The authors argue that understanding these carbon fraction distributions is critical for predicting SOC behaviour under shifting environmental conditions. The work implies that generic SOC measurements may obscure mechanistically important differences in soil carbon stability and turnover.

Regional applicability

Findings are globally applicable but would benefit from UK-specific validation given regional variation in soil mineralogy, climate, and land-use histories. UK agricultural and peatland soils show distinct MAOM:POM ratios that may respond differently to climate or management changes than global aggregate patterns suggest.

Key measures

Soil organic carbon concentration and fractionation (mineral-associated vs. particulate organic matter); response ratios to environmental drivers

Outcomes reported

This meta-analysis examined how soil organic carbon (SOC) responds to global environmental change, specifically investigating whether the distribution of SOC between mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) and particulate organic matter (POM) fractions influences that response.

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