Soil water repellency and its implications for organic matter decomposition - is there a link to extreme climatic events?

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2011.02414.x
• Publication Date: 2011-02-26T15:56:52Z
• Authors: MARC-O. GOEBEL; JÖRG BACHMANN; MARKUS REICHSTEIN; IVAN A. JANSSENS; GEORG GUGGENBERGER
• Keywords: Soil carbon

Earth system models associate the ongoing global warming with increasing frequency and intensity of extreme events such as droughts heat waves. The carbon balance soils may be more sensitive to impact extremes than homogeneously distributed changes in soil temperature (Ts) or water content (θs). One parameter influenced by pronounced drying/rewetting cycles increases Ts is wettability soils. Results from laboratory field studies showed that low θs, particularly combination high can increase repellency (SWR). Recent have provided evidence stability organic matter (SOM) against microbial decomposition substantially enhanced repellent This review hypothesizes SWR an important SOM stabilization mechanism could become because events. We discuss wettability-induced moisture distribution aggregate turnover main mechanisms explaining reduced mineralization SWR. creation preferential flow paths subsequent uneven penetration rainwater cause a long-term reduction availability, affecting both microorganisms plants. conclude climate change-induced intensify effects climatic drought thus affects ecosystem processes plant productivity, well vegetation community structure. Future research on biosphere–climate interactions should consider subsequently activity which ultimately determine overall balance.