Soil Carbon Storage: Modulators, Mechanisms and Modeling

Soil Carbon Storage: Modulators, Mechanisms and Modeling takes a novel approach to the issue of soil carbon storage by considering soil C sequestration as a function of the interaction between biotic (e.g. microbes and plants) and abiotic (climate, soil types, management practices) modulators as a key driver of soil C. These modulators are central to C balance through their processing of C from both plant inputs and native soil organic matter. This book considers this concept in the light of state-of-the-art methodologies that elucidate these interactions and increase our understanding of a vitally important, but poorly characterized component of the global C cycle.

The book provides soil scientists with a comprehensive, mechanistic, quantitative and predictive understanding of soil carbon storage. It presents a new framework that can be included in predictive models and management practices for better prediction and enhanced C storage in soils.

Identifies management practices to enhance storage of soil C under different agro-ecosystems, soil types and climatic conditionsProvides novel conceptual frameworks of biotic (especially microbial) and abiotic data to improve prediction of simulation model at plot to global scaleAdvances the conceptual framework needed to support robust predictive models and sustainable land management practices

1. Introduction 2. Plant communities/ land use as modulators of soil C storage 3. Microbial modulators and mechanisms of soil carbon storage 4. Leveraging new understanding of how belowground food webs stabilize soil organic matter to promote ecological intensification of agriculture 5. Climate, geography and soil abiotic properties as modulators of soil C storage 6. Coupling N and P cycling to the impact of biotic interactions 7. Management practices and soil C storage 8. Impact of global changes on soil C storage- possible mechanisms 9. Projecting soil C under future climate and land-use scenarios (modelling)