Summary
This field study employed 13C natural abundance tracing to elucidate the mechanistic pathways by which long-term fertilisation practices influence organic matter stabilisation within paddy soil aggregates and density fractions. By tracking carbon isotopic signatures through different soil compartments, the research reveals differential effects of contrasting agronomic regimes (organic, conventional mineral, and combined approaches) on soil structural stability and carbon sequestration potential. The findings contribute to understanding carbon persistence mechanisms under varied nutrient management strategies in rice-growing systems.
Regional applicability
This research was conducted in China on paddy rice systems, which differ substantially from the dominant arable (wheat and barley) and grassland systems of the United Kingdom. However, the mechanistic insights into how organic matter stabilisation responds to fertilisation type may inform UK soil carbon management research, particularly for lower-input or organic cereal production systems. Direct transfer of findings requires consideration of climate, soil type, and rice-specific hydrology differences.
Key measures
13C natural abundance signatures in soil aggregates and density fractions; organic matter distribution across soil compartments; carbon stabilisation indices under contrasting fertilisation treatments
Outcomes reported
The study traced organic matter stabilisation mechanisms in paddy soil aggregates and density fractions using 13C natural abundance isotopic signatures across three contrasting long-term fertilisation regimes. It quantified how different nutrient management practices (organic, conventional mineral, and combined approaches) affect carbon persistence and soil structural stability in rice-growing systems.
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