The co-occurrence of biochar and microplastics in agricultural soils can alter soil carbon storage and inflate estimates of carbon sequestration. The review proposes an evidence-tiered measurement framework to accurately evaluate soil carbon storage.
Biochar's ability to retain carbon in soil is strengthened by cadmium contamination, with mechanisms including cation bridging and microbial inhibition. This unexpected interaction has implications for using biochar in contaminated agricultural soils.
A field study in northeastern China shows that combining no-tillage management with microbial organic fertilizer can significantly increase soil organic carbon across both surface and deeper soil layers. The treatment increased soil organic carbon by up to 93.2% and maintained larger macroaggregates, which can physically enclose organi...
Researchers at KAIST have developed a technology converting CO2 dissolved in seawater into calcium carbonate, enabling permanent storage and helping the ocean absorb more carbon dioxide. The system reduced electricity consumption by up to 54% and produced high-purity hydrogen and magnesium hydroxide.
Researchers found that microbial carbon fixation persists beneath the ice of Qinghai Lake, the largest saline lake in China, despite low temperatures and limited light. Dark-dependent carbon fixation was significantly greater than light-dependent fixation, suggesting a major winter carbon assimilation pathway in this saline lake.
Researchers found that water erosion increases microbial conversion of soil carbon to CO2, favoring decomposition of recalcitrant substrates. In contrast, deeper SOC remains more effectively protected within mineral-organic complexes and aggregates.
A new study reveals that forest structure, tree species evenness, and terrain slope jointly influence how carbon is divided among living vegetation, forest litter, and soil. The research found that soil contained the largest share of total carbon in most locations, while vegetation stored more carbon than soil in several plots.
Most of the carbon released during Canada’s record 2023 wildfire season came from burning soil and peat. Underground carbon stores accounted for 76 per cent of wildfire emissions. The findings highlight the vulnerability of Canada’s soil carbon stores to intensifying wildfires.
A new study reveals that Northern Eurasia's carbon sink is driven by climate change, with stronger sinks in western and southern regions. Forest productivity is a key determinant of the regional carbon sink, not just warming alone.
Research by CSU scientists found that soil organic carbon benefits crops the most during moderate water supply conditions, not extreme drought. Increasing soil organic carbon makes crops more stable and resilient from year to year.
Economists suggest that combining food labelling with higher prices for carbon-intensive items can reduce UK greenhouse gases by 5%, while generating net social benefits. The study found that labelling led to a 5.6% decrease in the carbon content of the average food basket, while a tax on the most carbon-intensive products yielded a 10...
A new study uses a thermal analysis technique to distinguish between different sources of organic carbon transported by rivers after extreme events, such as earthquakes and storms. The findings show that these events can continue to influence carbon transport in river systems for over a decade.
The rapid drying of the Aral Sea has released over 200 teragrams of carbon into the atmosphere, shifting the region's land-use carbon balance from a net sink to a significant source. Restoration efforts could help halt continued carbon loss and generate financial incentives for reflooding the lake.
New research reveals altitude-dependent carbon storage mechanisms in diverse forest ecosystems. High-altitude conifer forests excel at storing carbon in biomass, while lower-elevation mixed broadleaf forests stabilize soil carbon. Effective forest management requires altitude-specific approaches to conserve biomass and enhance soil org...
A global analysis of 932 observations shows that biochar delivers stronger carbon gains in nitrogen-poor soils and follows different carbon storage pathways depending on soil fertility. Biochar effectiveness varies greatly from one field to another, with the amount of nitrogen already present in soil controlling how much carbon it stores.
New research reveals biochar's reactive chemistry can slow soil organic carbon decomposition by suppressing enzymes, particularly in acidic soils. The protective effect varies among different soils, with some biochars increasing carbon dioxide emissions.
A study by Chiba University researchers confirms Gentiana squarrosa obtains carbon through both photosynthesis and fungal symbiosis. The U-shaped pot cultivation system developed for this study enables the verification of carbon transfer between plants via AM fungi in various plant species.
A new pantropical carbon database synthesizes data from 146 studies to better understand the impact of forest degradation and regeneration on the global carbon cycle. The study reveals that degraded forests recover faster than fully cleared land, while preserving forest structure enhances carbon recovery.
A new pantropical carbon database synthesizes data from 146 studies to better understand the effects of forest degradation and regeneration on the global carbon cycle. The study reveals that degraded forests recover faster than fully cleared land, accumulating more above-ground carbon over time.
A new study reveals that biochar increases soil organic carbon more efficiently than straw by guiding microbes towards stable carbon formation. Biochar promotes a slower but more stable carbon pathway, reducing native soil carbon mineralization.
A new study based on global airborne surveys found that forests in the tropics take up less carbon than predicted, and models struggle to simulate carbon dioxide uptake in forests north and south of the tropics. Regular airborne missions could narrow uncertainty further.
A two-year study found that pairing moderate drainage with biochar may reduce methane and carbon dioxide losses from agricultural peat soils. Biochar treatment reduced cumulative carbon dioxide emissions by up to 52%, while maintaining soil carbon stores.
A new study reveals that thawing permafrost can intensify rock weathering, consuming CO₂ and offsetting river CO₂ emissions. In some regions, this geological carbon uptake partially or fully offsets emissions, with estimated offsets ranging from 35% to over 100%.
A new study reveals that fungi in Arctic fjords assimilate dissolved organic matter efficiently, retaining more carbon as microbial biomass rather than remineralizing it to CO2. This finding suggests that fungal metabolism promotes carbon retention at the seafloor and may enhance long-term carbon sequestration.
A new study reveals how iron minerals trigger the release of potent greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide from paddy soils during flooding. Microbial communities then drive further decomposition, leading to a net decrease in overall carbon stability.
Researchers found that nanozeolite-coupled biochar fertilizer reduced soil-derived carbon dioxide emissions by 11-18% compared to conventional phosphorus fertilizer. The biochar-based fertilizer also reduced the Q10 value, indicating a decrease in soil carbon decomposition under warming.
Dissolved black carbon's colloidal behavior can decide whether carbon and associated contaminants travel long distances or become trapped in sediments. Understanding this behavior is essential for predicting environmental risks and carbon cycling.
A new study found that even as oak trees continue to photosynthesize late into the year, their growth stops by mid-summer. This decoupling between photosynthesis and growth suggests that increased carbon uptake may not translate to greater wood production, reducing long-term carbon storage in forests.
A new study reveals that mountainous landscapes can store significantly more carbon in the soil than previously believed. Researchers found that soils in landslides can be up to 5 meters deep and contain twice as much carbon as predicted by previous global models.
Carbon Research has achieved a new milestone with a 2025 CiteScore Tracker of 19.2, reflecting growing visibility and citation performance. The journal focuses on carbonaceous materials, renewable energy, and greenhouse gases, publishing high-quality research for climate change, sustainable energy, and environmental remediation.
Long-term biochar study reveals that topsoil benefits from biochar's effect on microbial necromass carbon, with significant increase in fungal necromass carbon. In contrast, subsoil shows reduced microbial necromass carbon due to lower nitrogen availability and increased microbial nutrient mining.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered a method to quantify CO2 absorbed by cementitious materials and its atmospheric contamination using carbon isotope measurements. This breakthrough aims to improve carbon accounting and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in concrete production.
A new international study challenges long-held beliefs about how ecosystems absorb carbon under global warming. Plants are using water more efficiently while developing larger canopies to absorb light and fix carbon, making this the dominant factor in determining carbon dioxide uptake.
New research suggests that mangrove forests may not store as much carbon as previously thought, but instead release it as sea levels rise. The study found that localized areas may experience increased carbon storage, but the entire forest's storage is likely to decline over the next 100 years.
Researchers argue that biochar's long-term carbon storage potential and its soil improvement benefits should not be conflated. The authors call for a 'designer biochar' approach, tailoring products to specific end uses rather than marketing them as universally beneficial.
Researchers found that hydrochar improves soil structure while increasing soil organic carbon, with different feedstocks showing varying benefits. The study suggests hydrochar could become a customizable amendment for climate-smart soil management.
A new study reveals that dark brown carbon from wildfires has a powerful warming effect on the global climate, potentially exceeding that of black carbon. The research found that this 'dark brown carbon' absorbs light well into the visible spectrum, amplifying regional and global warming.
Researchers have found that karst reservoirs are exceptionally effective at capturing and storing atmospheric carbon due to a unique combination of geology and biology. The study reveals that these ecosystems produce a large amount of organic carbon, which is then efficiently converted and locked away in a highly stable form.
A new study suggests that temporary carbon storage can play a significant role in climate mitigation, particularly in sectors with persistent methane emissions. The researchers found that neutralizing the climate impact of 1 kilogram of methane requires removing roughly 498 kilograms of CO₂ stored for 20 years.
Research reveals tropical cyclones contribute to ocean carbon outgassing but its role is decreasing due to global warming. If emissions remain high, they may reverse to enhancing ocean carbon uptake, accelerating ocean acidification.
A comprehensive review reveals that deep soil contains a colossal amount of carbon, estimated at over 850 petagrams worldwide, and is significantly more stable than surface layers due to strong interaction with clay minerals. The review outlines several agricultural strategies to protect and enhance deep soil carbon stocks.
The study reveals coral reefs' significant carbon sequestration potential and how reef-dwelling fish contribute to the carbon cycle. Reef sediments dominate carbon storage, with fish influencing sediment carbon reservoirs through bioerosion and respiration.
A study assesses carbon unlocking levels in China's transportation infrastructure across 30 provinces. The results show a clear regional pattern, with eastern provinces leading and western provinces lagging behind. Key driving factors include green patents, R&D investment, and low-carbon regulation.
Research reveals US forests face significant risk of carbon loss due to wildfires, droughts, and insects. Current carbon-credit systems fail to account for these risks, but the study provides a solution by proposing larger buffer pools to mitigate losses.
A study finds that US forests are at risk of releasing stored carbon due to droughts, pests, and fires exacerbated by climate change. The researchers recommend increasing buffer pools in carbon-credit systems to account for these risks.
A comprehensive review reveals that deep soil layers store over 50-60% of the total carbon in top meter of soil. The subsoil environment is characterized by low oxygen and limited microbial activity, making it a stable target for long-term carbon removal strategies.
Researchers caution that weakening core safeguards in carbon markets risk worsening climate impacts and increasing net carbon emissions. Indigenous land stewardship is vital for maintaining intact ecosystems and vital carbon sinks, but alternative support mechanisms are needed to preserve the integrity of climate action.
Researchers highlight engineered biochar as a promising material for capturing carbon dioxide, overcoming limitations of raw biochar through rational engineering. Heteroatom doping improves interactions with CO2 molecules, increasing adsorption efficiency.
The 23rd Carbon Research International Forum highlights engineered biochar's potential in supporting carbon capture, resource recovery, and sustainable industrial development. Recent progress in converting agricultural and industrial residues into high-performance carbon materials was discussed.
A new study reveals that soil carbon residence time governs riverine dissolved organic matter's age, with climate, hydrology, and soil processes controlling carbon cycling in rivers. The research provides a high-resolution global atlas of riverine DOC, showing that ancient carbon sources are locally important but modern terrestrial org...
A new study by the University of Helsinki finds that the carbon footprint of milk production is 41% higher when soil carbon changes are included. Soil organic matter can either sequester or release carbon, and its impact on climate change should not be ignored.
The session discussed the complex relationship between organic carbon inputs and long-term carbon storage in soils. Emerging strategies were presented to optimize organic amendments and enhance both soil function and carbon retention.
A new field study reveals that biochar significantly increases microbial necromass carbon in topsoil by up to 39%, linked to improved nutrient availability and microbial efficiency. However, in subsoil layers, biochar reduces microbial necromass carbon by as much as 30% due to nutrient limitations.
A new study finds that hydrochar significantly enhances soil organic carbon and aggregation, offering a promising strategy for sustainable soil management. Hydrochar can simultaneously improve soil structure and increase carbon sequestration, making it a versatile solution for improving soil health in agriculture.
A new study reveals excavated urban soils as a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide and methane. Biochar application and soil capping can dramatically reduce emissions by up to 96%, offering a practical climate solution for urban development.
A field study found that adding biochar to estuarine wetlands increased sediment carbon storage while suppressing carbon loss. Tidal dynamics amplified the effectiveness of biochar as a climate solution by stabilizing carbon in sediments and reducing microbial activity associated with carbon decomposition.
A global analysis reveals that microbial communities play a decisive role in determining biochar's carbon storage potential. Biochar increases soil organic carbon by an average of 52.4%, but its effectiveness varies depending on the composition of soil microbial communities and environmental conditions.
Researchers mapped mangrove soil carbon pools and found plant growth, soil chemistry, and tidal processes regulate their distribution. Black carbon, produced by incomplete combustion, is stored in mangrove ecosystems and transported to aquatic systems, influencing global carbon cycling.
A new study reveals that transforming biomass from dedicated energy crops into biochar could provide a cost-effective and scalable solution for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping China move closer to its carbon neutrality goals. Biochar can lock carbon in soils for decades or even centuries while improving soil health.
A new study from Lund University reveals that old-growth forests in Sweden store 78-89% more carbon than managed forests, mainly due to large carbon stocks in the soil. The study's findings have significant implications for climate change mitigation and forest management.