Maximizing soil organic carbon stocks through optimal ploughing and renewal strategies in (Ley) grassland

This study investigates the impact of ley grassland durations in crop rotations on soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in temperate climates under future climate scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Using the DailyDayCent model and long-term field experiments, the researchers found that ley grasslands increase SOC storage by approximately 10 Mg ha⁻¹ over 96 years compared to continuous cropping. Surprisingly, extending ley duration beyond 3 years did not further enhance SOC. Grasslands renewed every three years showed a significant increase in SOC storage (0.3 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹). Optimal management of ploughing and renewal intervals is crucial for maximizing SOC stocks by balancing biomass carbon inputs and carbon losses through soil respiration.

Teng Hu, Sparkle L. Malone, Cornelia Rumpel, Abad Chabbi