Microbial necromass carbon is the primary constituent of stable soil carbon, but the controls on its stabilization are unknown. Prior to stabilization, necromass may be recycled. This study explores controls on necromass recycling efficiency in 27 UK grassland soils using stable isotope tracing and indicator species analysis. Recycling efficiency increased with microbial growth rate on necromass and was highest in soils with low historical precipitation. Bacterial and fungal indicators of necromass recycling efficiency were identified. Environmental and microbial controls strongly influence necromass recycling, affecting soil carbon stabilization.
Publisher
Communications Earth & Environment
Published On
Oct 22, 2020
Authors
Kate M. Buckeridge, Kelly E. Mason, Niall P. McNamara, Nick Ostle, Jeremy Puissant, Tim Goodall, Robert I. Griffiths, Andrew W. Stott, Jeanette Whitaker
Tags
microbial necromass
soil carbon
recycling efficiency
stable isotope tracing
grassland soils
environmental controls
microbial growth
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