Mechanisms of Carbon Sequestration in Highly Organic Ecosystems – Importance of Chemical Ecology. Issue 4 (14th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adamczyk, Bartosz; Heinonsalo, Jussi; Simon, Judy
• Is Part Of: ChemistryOpen. Volume 9:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 464
• Page End: 469
• Publication Date: 2020-04-14
• Subjects: carbon cycling -- nitrogen cycling -- plant secondary compounds -- tannins -- chemical ecology; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1002/open.202000015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2191-1363

Abstract

Abstract: Organic matter decomposition plays a major role in the cycling of carbon (C) and nutrients in terrestrial ecosystems across the globe. Climate change accelerates the decomposition rate to potentially increase the release of greenhouse gases and further enhance global warming in the future. However, fractions of organic matter vary in turnover times and parts are stabilized in soils for longer time periods (C sequestration). Overall, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying C sequestration is needed for the development of effective mitigation policies to reduce land‐based production of greenhouse gases. Known mechanisms of C sequestration include the recalcitrance of C input, interactions with soil minerals, aggregate formation, as well as its regulation via abiotic factors. In this Minireview, we discuss the mechanisms behind C sequestration including the recently emerging significance of biochemical interactions between organic matter inputs that lead to C stabilization. Abstract : Beyond the C : Predicting soil C stocks for mitigating climate will be a major issue in the coming years. However, the key mechanisms of soil organic matter degradation or stabilization are still not fully known. Drivers of soil C sequestration are linked to interaction with soil minerals, aggregate formation, but also regulated by the environment. Recent evidence highlights the interactions between plant tannins and fungal necromass as an overlooked pathway of soil C stabilization. Future studies should consider all these mechanisms of C stabilization.