Unlocking complex soil systems as carbon sinks: multi-pool management as the key.

Area of Science:

• Soil Science
• Environmental Science
• Biogeochemistry

Background:

• Persistent soil organic carbon (SOC) storage is crucial for climate change mitigation.
• Mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) is a key long-term SOC pool, but its formation is complex.
• Current management often overlooks particulate organic matter (POM), another significant and potentially persistent SOC pool.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of particulate organic matter (POM) alongside mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) for soil carbon storage.
• To propose a framework for context-dependent soil management strategies.
• To emphasize the role of environmental conditions in regulating POM and MAOM formation.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual framework development.
• Literature synthesis on soil organic matter dynamics.
• Analysis of environmental influences on soil organic matter formation pathways.

Main Results:

• MAOM-targeted management alone is insufficient for maximizing soil carbon storage.
• Particulate organic matter (POM) pools have potential for expansion and long-term persistence.
• POM can serve as a precursor to MAOM, linking these pools.
• Environmental conditions critically influence the formation and persistence of both POM and MAOM.

Conclusions:

• Soil carbon management must adopt a holistic approach, considering both POM and MAOM.
• Context-specific strategies are necessary, acknowledging the influence of environmental factors.
• Understanding the interplay between POM, MAOM, and environmental conditions is key to effective soil management for carbon sequestration.