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Updated: Apr 13, 2026
09:04
Assessment of Labile Organic Carbon in Soil Using Sequential Fumigation Incubation Procedures
Published on: October 29, 2016
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Emerging land use practices rapidly increase soil organic matter.
Megan B Machmuller1, Marc G Kramer2, Taylor K Cyle3
1Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.
Nature Communications
|May 1, 2015
Summary
Management-intensive grazing rapidly restores soil carbon (C) and improves soil quality on degraded agricultural lands. This land use strategy offers profitable food production alongside climate change mitigation.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Soil organic matter loss threatens food security and climate change mitigation.
- Sustainable land management is crucial for balancing food production and environmental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate soil carbon accumulation in response to management-intensive grazing.
- To assess changes in soil properties and their implications for agricultural sustainability.
Main Methods:
- A 7-year chronosequence study across three farms in the southeastern United States.
- Measurement of soil carbon accumulation over 3 years.
- Assessment of changes in cation exchange and water holding capacity.
Main Results:
- Farms under management-intensive grazing accumulated soil carbon at 8.0 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹.
- Cation exchange capacity increased by 95% and water holding capacity by 34%.
- Soil carbon levels returned to those of native forest soils within a decade.
Conclusions:
- Management-intensive grazing enhances soil quality and promotes rapid soil carbon sequestration.
- This practice presents a viable strategy for profitable agriculture and climate change mitigation.
- Potential for reduced fertilizer and irrigation demands with improved soil health.
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