Patterns and predictors of soil organic carbon storage across a continental-scale network

• DOI: 10.1007/s10533-020-00745-9
• Publication Date: 2021-01-30T06:02:43Z
• Authors: L. E. Nave; M. Bowman; A. Gallo; J. A. Hatten; K. A. Heckman; L. Matosziuk; A. R. Possinger; M. SanClements; J. Sanderman; B. D. Strahm; T. L. Weiglein; C. W. Swanston
• Keywords: Soil carbon; Soil horizon; Replication

Abstract The rarity of rapid campaigns to characterize soils across scales limits opportunities investigate variation in soil carbon stocks (SOC) storage simultaneously at large and small scales, with without site-level replication. We used data from two complementary 40 sites the United States National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), which one campaign sampled profiles closely co-located intensive plots physically composited similar horizons, other dozens pedons landscape each site. demonstrate some consistencies between these distinct designs, while also revealing that within-site replication reveals patterns predictors SOC not detectable non-replicated designs. Both designs whole vary continental-scale climate gradients. However, broad may mask importance localized physicochemical properties, as captured by sampling, especially for discrete genetic horizons. Within-site examples expectations based on readily explained do hold. For example, even wide-ranging drainage class sequences within landscapes duplicate clear differences profile classes continental scale, factors associated increasing B horizon frequently follow same landscapes. Because inferences studies are a product their context (where, when, how), this study provides context—in terms influence them—for others assessing C cycle NEON sites.