Cycad plants provide an important 'ecosystem service'
A recent study by researchers at the University of Guam found that cycad plants share nitrogen and carbon through the soil, creating habitable environments for other organisms.
Soil Carbon
Articles tagged with Soil Carbon
Solving the jigsaw puzzle of regional carbon budgets
A new study has provided the first global 'bottom-up' terrestrial carbon budget, estimating a net sink of -2.2 ± 0.6 Pg C y-1 between 2000 and 2009. The study reveals that a significant portion of carbon fixed in terrestrial ecosystems is lost through fires, emissions, and export to rivers, rather than being retained in the soil.
Media tip sheet: Going high-tech in ecology
Researchers use cameras, drones, geolocators, and sensors to track wildlife and greenhouse gas emissions. Computing advances help analyze terabytes of data, enabling ecologists to scale up ecological research and address environmental challenges.
Tree planting does not always boost ecosystem carbon stocks, study finds
A recent study found that tree planting on heather moorland in Scotland did not increase carbon storage, but instead led to a decline in soil organic carbon stocks. The research suggests that planting trees may not be an effective strategy for mitigating climate change in certain areas.
Fine roots in warming peatlands
Fine roots in peatlands respond rapidly to warming, increasing plant nutrient and water uptake. Soils drying likely drive this increase in fine-root growth, potentially accelerating ecosystem carbon cycling.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020
Argonne soil carbon research reduces uncertainty in predicting climate change impacts
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed new global models to study the impact of environmental controllers on soil organic carbon, reducing uncertainty in predicting climate change impacts. The models improve the spatial representation of soil organic carbon in Earth system models.
Conservation agriculture increases carbon sequestration in extensive crops
A study found that Conservation Agriculture can increase organic carbon in soil by up to three times the goal amount, making it a key tool for mitigating climate change. By adopting no-till farming and rotating crops, farmers can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental sustainability.
New study sparks fresh call for seagrass preservation
A new study reveals that seagrass loss in Australia has led to a 2% increase in annual carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to 5 million cars per year. The research highlights the vital role seagrass meadows play in mitigating climate change and urges preservation and restoration of these ecosystems.
Arctic plants may not provide predicted carbon sequestration potential
New research reveals that Arctic shrub communities can release stored carbon from soils, offsetting potential carbon sequestration. This could lead to a net source of CO2 in the atmosphere if not addressed.
In the Arctic, spring snowmelt triggers fresh CO2 production
New research from San Diego State University reveals that spring snowmelt in the Arctic triggers fresh carbon dioxide production at higher rates than previously assumed. The study found that cold thaw accounts for nearly half of carbon emissions, offsetting summer uptake by vegetation.
Carbon cycling in wet soils
Research found that dynamic waterlogging enhances carbon dioxide emissions and depletes soil organic carbon. Microbes exhibit higher activity under fluctuating conditions, but not necessarily greater diversity.
Study: Planting new forests is part of but not the whole solution to climate change
A Colorado State University-led study found that afforestation may not be as effective at removing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as previously thought. The research suggests that ratios of soil organic carbon underneath afforested areas vary greatly across different ecosystems and climates.
Carbon emission from permafrost soils underestimated by 14%
A University of Michigan study found that organic carbon in thawing permafrost soils can be converted to carbon dioxide by sunlight, known as photomineralization. This process could contribute an additional 14% of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, increasing global warming by 0.3-0.4°C.
Soil biology research can help create a more sustainable future
Research highlights the importance of soil biodiversity in achieving sustainability goals, including nutrient cycling, food production, and pollution remediation. Soil health is crucial for regulating climate and supporting human well-being, with traditional agricultural practices already leveraging its benefits.
Patterns in permafrost soils could help climate change models
New research reveals consistent patterns in permafrost soils across Alaska's North Slope, allowing scientists to predict how carbon and greenhouse gases are released. The findings will help improve climate models by providing direct permafrost soil information, filling a knowledge gap that has been around for 30 years.
New method for capturing carbon via root exudates in wild forest
Shinshu University researchers have developed a new method to capture carbon via root exudates in wild forests. The method, which is quick and gentle on fine-scale roots, detects and measures the organic compounds released from tree roots into the soil.
£800k study to look at link between fire and climate change
Researchers will gather new data on pyrogenic carbon and investigate its behavior in tropical savannahs, including the impact of soil depth and fire frequency. The study aims to update models and provide better forecasts of carbon cycle dynamics, informing land management and climate change policies.
Study shows wetter climate is likely to intensify global warming
A new study suggests that increased rainfall in tropical regions will enhance soil respiration and decrease soil carbon stocks, leading to further intensification of global warming. This process could release significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.
Soil carbon and nitrogen mineralization after the initial flush of CO2
Soil microorganisms decompose organic nitrogen, releasing inorganic nitrogen for plant growth. The initial burst of microbial activity after CO2 flush is a key indicator of forthcoming soil nitrogen mineralization.
Nature: Don't hope mature forests to soak up carbon dioxide emissions
New research reveals that mature forests do not retain extra carbon absorbed from elevated CO2 levels, but instead release it back to the atmosphere. The study's findings have significant implications for climate models and future carbon sequestration strategies.
Don't look to mature forests to soak up carbon dioxide emissions
Research suggests mature forests cannot absorb additional carbon as atmospheric CO2 concentrations increase. Carbon is quickly cycled through the soil and returned to the atmosphere, with only half being stored by trees and half by fungi and bacteria.
Almond orchard recycling a climate-smart strategy
A study from the University of California, Davis found that whole orchard recycling can sequester 5 tons of carbon per hectare, increase water-use efficiency by 20 percent and boost crop yields by 19 percent. This practice also builds soil nutrients and water retention, mitigating climate change.
Overcoming carbon loss from farming in peatlands
Researchers have discovered that certain plant materials can help store more carbon in soils and reduce erosion. Using two-step experiments with biomass crops, they found that miscanthus and willow performed better than sorghum in storing long-term carbon, making sustainable farming on peatlands possible.
Natural solutions to the climate crisis? One-quarter is all down to Earth...
A new study reveals that soil has a significant role in mitigating climate change, with up to 25% of global potential for natural climate solutions. The research highlights the importance of agroforestry and improved agricultural practices in enhancing soil health and carbon sequestration.
Cover crops can benefit hot, dry soils
Researchers found that cover crops can increase soil health in the Southern High Plains by retaining rainwater and reducing erosion. The study showed that biological activity improves soil structure and increases soil carbon storage, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Old carbon reservoirs unlikely to cause massive greenhouse gas release
A study published in Science found that methane emissions from ancient carbon reservoirs are small and do not reach the atmosphere in large quantities. Researchers believe natural buffers such as ocean microbes and bacteria help prevent the release of methane.
NSF selects 7 winners from its first-ever NSF 2026 Idea Machine prize competition
The National Science Foundation has awarded $8 million in funding to seven research projects studying soil signals to advance sustainable agriculture, climate change and food production. Researchers will develop new methods to capture, communicate and analyze soil processes, including sensors and data tools.
Climate change to create farmland in the north, but at environmental costs, study reveals
A new study models the potential for growing major food crops in newly suitable regions due to climate change. The researchers found that Earth's agricultural landmass could increase by one-third, including vast new farming prospects in Canada and Russia's north.
Wasp nests used to date ancient Kimberley rock art
Researchers have dated ancient Aboriginal rock art in the Kimberley region using wasp nests, confirming that Gwion style paintings are around 12,000 years old. The technique used involves analyzing the age of wasp nests under and over the paintings to establish a date range.
World Wetlands Day: Fostering global biodiversity and mitigating climate change
Researchers at McGill University have launched interactive story maps to highlight the importance of wetlands, which support a disproportionately high number of endangered species. Wetlands also naturally combat climate change by storing carbon dioxide underground.
Lost in translation: Organic matter cuts plant-microbe links
New research reveals that adding carbon-rich organic matter to agricultural fields can cut plant-microbe links by up to 70%. This reduces the efficiency of nitrogen fixation, a symbiotic relationship between legume plants and rhizobial microorganisms.
Meteorites reveal high carbon dioxide levels on early Earth
Tiny meteorites found in ancient soils suggest carbon dioxide made up 25-50 percent of Earth's atmosphere 2.7 billion years ago, indicating a warm planet. Lower nitrogen levels resulting from lower pressure would allow for both high CO2 and cool conditions.
Ordering in? Plants are way ahead of you
Researchers discovered that plants use flavonoids to communicate with microbes in the soil, but high levels of organic carbon in the soil can repress these signals. This allows plants to control whether they invest in expensive symbionts and avoid wasting photosynthate on unnecessary microbial help.
Rising global temperatures turn northern permafrost region into significant carbon source
The decomposition of organic matter in permafrost soil during winter months can release substantial amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, exceeding summer uptake. By 2100, this could increase by 41% if current greenhouse gas emissions continue.
Tracking the scent of warming tundra
Researchers found that tundra warming significantly increases VOC release from plants, shifting composition towards more reactive hydrocarbons. This change in VOCs could impact plant-animal interactions and ecosystem resilience.
Are sinking soils in the Everglades related to climate change?
The Everglades Agricultural Area is experiencing significant soil subsidence due to climate change, threatening the region's ecosystem and agricultural economy. Researchers recommend practices such as crop rotation with rice and adding plant material back into the soil to mitigate decomposition and increase soil carbon.
Recycling nutrient-rich industrial waste products enhances soil, reduces carbon
Researchers found that recycling nutrient-rich industrial waste products can enhance soil health while reducing carbon emissions and maintaining crop yields. The study used heat-inactivated spent microbial mass (SMB) as a fertilizer, which provided similar crop yields to conventional fertilizers but at greater rates.
As a way to fight climate change, not all soils are created equal
Researchers at Colorado State University reveal that soil organic matter has two distinct components: particulate and mineral-associated organic matter, which differ in their origin, makeup, and persistence. Recognizing this diversity is essential for developing effective strategies to sequester carbon and promote soil health.
Tiny woodlands are more important than previously thought
Researchers found that small forest remnants on farmland can store more carbon in the topsoil layer and host fewer ticks than larger forests. These tiny woodlands also provide benefits for roe deer populations and offer a lower risk of contracting tick-borne diseases.
Planting on pasture land may provide sustainable alternative for oil palm plantations
Researchers found that converting degraded pasture to oil palm plantations reduces stored carbon loss associated with rainforest clearing, but can lead to initial soil organic carbon loss. However, the carbon is later redistributed within the soil, resulting in long-term recovery of topsoil organic carbon.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 20, 2019
Finding common ground for scientists and policymakers on soil carbon and climate change
A group of scientists from the Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP) urge policymakers to take action on soil carbon despite ongoing debates. They highlight the importance of rebuilding soil carbon for environmental and agricultural benefits, such as sustainable agriculture systems and water quality.
Plants and fungi together could slow climate change
A new study reveals that human impacts have greatly reduced plant-fungus symbioses, which play a key role in sequestering carbon in soils. Restoring these ecosystems could help alleviate anthropogenic soil carbon losses and ameliorate increases in atmospheric greenhouse gases.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2019
Microbiologist Karen Lloyd awarded $2.5M grant for permafrost research
Karen Lloyd's research focuses on the effects of thawing permafrost on the environment, examining microbial processes that break down soil organic carbon and release greenhouse gases. By understanding these processes, future predictions can be made about the impact of microbial communities' activities on changes in released gases.
RUDN University soil scientists found out how abandoned arable land restores
Researchers from RUDN University found that the rate of organic carbon accumulation in wild, cultivated, and abandoned soils depends mainly on soil type and composition. The study revealed that phaeozems release carbon easily, while chernozems contain more decomposition-resistant compounds.
Researchers find multiple effects on soil from manure from cows administered antibiotics
A new study by Colorado State University researchers found that exposure to manure from cows administered antibiotics alters the soil microbiome and ecosystem functions, reduces soil carbon storage, and changes how plants allocate carbon below ground. The findings suggest that widespread use of antibiotics in livestock production has s...
Climate warming and soil nutrient balances
Under climate warming up to 1.7 °C, sedge plants prioritize root growth over shoot growth due to nitrogen supply limitations; however, as warming intensifies, shoots become more prominent, indicating nitrogen supply now outpaces plant demand.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2019
Study finds managed forests in New Hampshire rich in carbon
A Dartmouth-led study reveals that actively managed mixed wood forests in New Hampshire have significant carbon stores, both above and below ground. The research found that the forests' soil carbon is higher in subplots with more trees, especially fir and spruce species.
New research puts Australia at forefront of blue carbon economy
Australian marine ecosystems absorb and emit large amounts of greenhouse gases, including 20 million tonnes of CO2 annually. Human damage causes 3 million tonnes to be released back into the atmosphere, highlighting the importance of conservation and restoration.
Microbes in warm soils released more carbon than those in cooler soils
A new study finds that warmer tropical soils release more car-bon, leading to a 9% increase in atmospheric CO2 by the century's end. The increased microbial activity and changes in soil microbes also promote a positive feedback loop, exacerbating global warming.
Humankind did not live with a high-carbon dioxide atmosphere until 1965
A new research study has revealed that humans lived in a low-carbon-dioxide atmosphere for 2.5 million years, with concentrations averaging 230 parts per million, until 1965. Today's levels are about 410 parts per million.
Climate change: A dirt-y business
Researchers found increased rainfall reduces soil's water absorption rate, leading to more water in streams and lakes. Soil properties also affect carbon storage, potentially impacting climate models.
Decrease in greenhouse gas emissions linked to Soviet Union's collapse
The Soviet Union's collapse led to a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions due to decreased meat consumption and abandonment of cultivated land. This resulted in a reduction of around 7.61 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from 1992 to 2001.
Water availability determines carbon uptake under climate warming: study
A recent study found that water availability in soil determines the direction of carbon-climate feedback, with land carbon uptake increasing below optimal moisture levels and decreasing above them. This discovery provides new insights into the complex relationships between climate change, ecosystem dynamics, and water availability.
More frequent wildfires in the boreal forest threaten previously protected soil carbon
Research finds that older stands of trees protect legacy carbon from burning, while younger stands do not. This shift could change boreal forests from a carbon sink to a source, exacerbating climate change. The study's findings have global implications for future climate scenarios.
Extreme wildfires threaten to turn boreal forests from carbon sinks to carbon sources
A new study found that frequent and large wildfires are releasing stored carbon in boreal forests, transforming them into a source of carbon instead of a sink. This shift has significant implications for global climate change and greenhouse gas levels.
Amazon rainforest absorbing less carbon than expected
A new study reveals that phosphorus-deficient soils reduced projected carbon dioxide uptake by 50% in the Amazon compared to current estimates. The Amazon Basin plays a critical role in mitigating climate change, but outdated assumptions have been used in models, leading to inaccurate predictions.
Hard-working termites crucial to forest, wetland ecosystems
A recent study found that termite activity in wetlands improves soil structure and nutrient content. Termites help turn dead trees into valuable organic matter, increasing crucial soil carbon content.
Compost key to sequestering carbon in the soil
Researchers found that adding compost and cover crops to organic-certified systems increased soil carbon content by 12.6% over a 19-year period, outperforming the international '4 per 1000' initiative. This approach stores more carbon than previously calculated, highlighting the importance of balancing diet for microorganisms in soils.
Stanford-led study gauges trees' potential to slow global warming in the future
The Stanford-led study, published in Nature Climate Change, explores the capacity of trees and plants to absorb carbon dioxide. The research suggests that trees will continue to sequester carbon dioxide at generous rates through at least the end of the century, with potential increases in plant biomass by 12% by the end of the century.
New paper points to soil pore structure as key to carbon storage
Researchers at Michigan State University discovered a new mechanism determining how carbon is stored in soils, which could improve climate resilience and reduce carbon footprints. Soils from ecosystems with higher plant diversity have more pores of the right size for stable carbon storage.