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Controls on the storage of organic carbon in permafrost soil in northern Siberia
Author(s) -
Palmtag J.,
Ramage J.,
Hugelius G.,
Gentsch N.,
Lashchinskiy N.,
Richter A.,
Kuhry P.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
european journal of soil science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.244
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1365-2389
pISSN - 1351-0754
DOI - 10.1111/ejss.12357
Subject(s) - soil carbon , permafrost , environmental science , landform , soil texture , ecosystem , total organic carbon , soil organic matter , organic matter , soil science , carbon fibers , physical geography , hydrology (agriculture) , forestry , soil water , geology , geography , geomorphology , ecology , environmental chemistry , chemistry , oceanography , materials science , geotechnical engineering , biology , composite number , composite material
Summary This research examined soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and aboveground phytomass carbon (PhC) stocks in two areas of the Taymyr Peninsula, northern Siberia. We combined field sampling, chemical and 14 C radiocarbon dating analyses with land cover classifications for landscape‐level assessments. The estimated mean for the 0–100‐cm depth SOC stocks was 14.8 and 20.8 kg C m −2 in Ary‐Mas and Logata, respectively. The corresponding values for TN were 1.0 and 1.3 kg N m −2 . On average, about 2% only (range 0–12%) of the total ecosystem C is stored in PhC. In both study areas about 34% of the SOC at 0–100 cm is stored in cryoturbated pockets, which have formed since at least the early Holocene. The larger carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio of this cryoturbated material indicates that it consists of relatively undecomposed soil organic matter (SOM). There are substantial differences in SOC stocks and SOM properties within and between the two study areas, which emphasizes the need to consider both geomorphology and soil texture in the assessment of landscape‐level and regional SOC stocks. Highlights This research addresses landscape‐scale and regional variation in SOC stocks. Landform and soil texture are taken into account in the analysis. The contribution of phytomass to total ecosystem C stored is limited. Large SOC stocks are susceptible to decomposition following permafrost thaw.