Summary
This systematic review synthesises current understanding of how cover crops regulate soil organic carbon accumulation, decomposition and storage in agroecosystems. The authors appear to identify and characterise the principal mechanistic pathways—including litter contribution, rhizodeposition, microbial community shifts, and aggregate stability—and examine the agronomic, climatic and soil-specific factors that influence the efficacy of cover crops in carbon regulation. The work contributes to the evidence base on cover crop management as a soil health and carbon sequestration strategy.
Regional applicability
The pathways and mechanisms identified are likely transferable to UK temperate arable systems, though the magnitude of carbon sequestration will vary with UK climate, soil type and cover crop species selection. UK farmers and policymakers may use these mechanistic insights to optimise cover crop choice and timing for soil carbon goals under current and future agro-climatic conditions.
Key measures
Soil organic carbon concentration and stocks; carbon sequestration rates; decomposition pathways; microbial activity; litter inputs; soil carbon fractions
Outcomes reported
The study examined how cover crops influence soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics through multiple pathways and mechanisms. It synthesised evidence on the key factors that mediate SOC regulation under cover crop management.
Topic tags
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