Assessing the impacts of the establishment of Miscanthus on soil organic carbon on two contrasting land‐use types in Ireland. (8th October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zimmermann, J.; Dondini, M.; Jones, M. B.
• Is Part Of: European journal of soil science. Volume 64:Number 6(2013:Dec.)
• Page Start: 747
• Page End: 756
• Publication Date: 2013-10-08
• Subjects: Soil science -- Periodicals; 631.4
• DOI: 10.1111/ejss.12087
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0754

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="ejss12087-abs-0001"> <title>Summary</title> <p id="ejss12087-para-0001">In recent years the use of biomass for energy production has become an increasingly important measure for mitigating global change. However, the scientific debate has been inconclusive with regard to the risks and benefits of bioenergy use. There is particular concern that land‐use change to bioenergy production can lead to increased CO<sub>2</sub> emissions. These emissions result from the loss of vegetation and the soil disturbance. The use of <italic>Miscanthus x giganteus</italic> as a bioenergy feedstock offers a possible solution, as it shows a large soil carbon (C) sequestration potential. The aim of the present study was to analyse the impacts of land‐use change to <italic>Miscanthus</italic> on soil fractions and associated soil organic carbon (SOC). Four young commercial <italic>Miscanthus</italic> sites, as well as adjacent sites representing the former land‐use, in SE Ireland were analysed for changes in SOC stocks and newly sequestered <italic>Miscanthus</italic>‐derived C. The fraction with which the SOC is associated significantly influenced its decomposability and turnover time. Using the <sup>13</sup>C natural abundance method, we found that newly sequestered C was found mainly as particulate organic matter (79.7% of <italic>Miscanthus</italic>‐derived C) and therefore in a labile state with short turnover times. No significant differences were found in the distribution of the different soil fractions and SOC between the <italic>Miscanthus</italic> and the control sites, and it was shown that the share of fractions on the bulk soil as well as the proportion of the SOC associated with these fractions in young <italic>Miscanthu</italic>s sites depends mainly on the previous land‐use.</p> </abstract>