Open AccessPersistent soil carbon enhanced in Mollisols by well-managed grasslands but not annual grain or dairy forage cropping systems
Author(s) -
Yichao Rui,
Randall D. Jackson,
M. Francesca Cotrufo,
Gregg R. Sanford,
Brian J. Spiesman,
Leonardo Deiss,
Steve W. Culman,
Chao Liang,
Matthew D. Ruark
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2118931119
Subject(s) - mollisol , soil carbon , environmental science , agronomy , tillage , cover crop , perennial plant , monocropping , forage , cropping system , agroforestry , crop rotation , cropping , agriculture , soil water , crop , biology , ecology , soil science
Significance Soil organic carbon (C) responses to agricultural management are highly uncertain, hindering our ability to assess the C sequestration potential of croplands and develop sound policies to mitigate climate change while enhancing other ecosystem services. Combining experimental evidence from a long-term field experiment and a meta-analysis of published literature, we show that the accrual of mineral-associated soil C in intensively managed Mollisols was only achieved by managing ruminant grazing on perennial grasslands. Although modifying dominant grain-based systems with reduced tillage, diversified rotations, and legumes and manure additions improve soil health metrics—which is critical to soil, nutrient, and water conservation—they are unlikely to enhance persistent forms of soil C in Mollisols to help drawdown atmospheric C and stabilize climate.