Tillage intensity affects total SOC stocks in boreo-temperate regions only in the topsoil—A systematic review using an ESM approach

Summary

This systematic review, employing an effect-size meta-analysis (ESM) approach, examined how tillage intensity affects soil organic carbon stocks in boreo-temperate farming systems. The analysis found that whilst tillage does influence SOC, its effect is largely confined to the topsoil, with limited impact on total profile SOC stocks. The findings suggest that depth-stratified assessment is essential when evaluating tillage effects on soil carbon in these climate zones.

Regional applicability

The United Kingdom sits within the boreo-temperate climatic zone targeted by this review, making the findings directly applicable to UK arable farming systems. The emphasis on topsoil-only effects is particularly relevant to UK tillage management and soil carbon monitoring schemes that may need to account for redistribution of organic matter within the profile rather than genuine loss.

Key measures

Soil organic carbon stocks by soil depth; tillage intensity classification; regional climate zones

Outcomes reported

The study systematically reviewed the effects of tillage intensity on total soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks across boreo-temperate regions, finding that impacts were restricted to topsoil layers rather than affecting whole-profile carbon storage.

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