Summary
This meta-analysis of 3,395 globally distributed soil profiles reveals that iron-aluminium oxides stabilise approximately one-third of global topsoil organic carbon stocks (233 PgC), with substantial unfulfilled carbon-stabilisation potential at equatorial and mid-latitude regions. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating mineral-phase interactions into soil carbon models and suggest that leveraging iron-oxide–organic-matter associations may offer innovative pathways for enhancing soil carbon sequestration in climate mitigation strategies.
Regional applicability
UK soils may benefit from improved understanding of iron-oxide-mediated carbon stabilisation mechanisms to optimise soil carbon management in temperate agricultural systems. The methodology and global distribution maps provide reference data for contextualising UK soil carbon stocks and identifying potential for enhanced sequestration through mineral-focused interventions.
Key measures
Global OC-Fe stock (petagrammes of carbon); OC-Fe as percentage of total soil organic carbon; OC-Fe deficit (difference between actual OC-Fe and maximum potential OC-Fe); spatial distribution across 3,395 soil profiles
Outcomes reported
The study quantified the global stock of iron-bound organic carbon (OC-Fe) in topsoils and identified geographical patterns in carbon stabilization capacity relative to maximum potential. The analysis revealed substantial deficits between actual and potential iron-bound carbon stocks at the equator and mid-latitudes.
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