Testing soil C accrual mechanisms and identifying microbes associated with decomposition of mineral associated soil C for design of sustainable bioenergy cropping systems
EMSL Project ID
51764
Abstract
The demand for energy from biofuel production is increasing, prompting concerns about theenvironmental impact and long-term sustainability of bioenergy cropping systems. One of the potential benefits of many proposed bioenergy cropping systems is their ability to quickly become C neutral and/or net C sinks. Because soils are the primary C sink for the majority of proposed bioeenegy cropping systems, we need a better understanding of how soil C accrues and is stabilized for long-term storage. However, the microbially mediated mechanisms controlling formation, stability and longevity soil organic carbon (SOC) are poorly understood. This project aims to increase our understanding of when and how SOC is physically and/or chemically protected from microbial decomposition and mineralization.
Complex interactions between physical and chemical protection of SOC and the composition and physiology of microbial communities are the critical factors controlling the accrual of SOC in these systems. Using soils, subjected to a 2.5 y laboratory incubation to remove any readily accessible SOC, we will use a novel combination of EMSL resources to determine the chemical composition of relatively stable SOC; to identify organo-mineral interactions important for SOC stabilization. If we are to understand how and why SOC is stabilized, we need better modelling and predictive capacity for designing sustainable bioenergy cropping systems. The data generated in this project would be important for parameterizing more detailed mechanistic models of SOC dynamics, particularly SOC stabilization.
Project Details
Project type
BRC Research
Start Date
2021-03-24
End Date
2021-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members