The effect of crop residues, cover crops, manures and nitrogen fertilization on soil organic carbon changes in agroecosystems: a synthesis of reviews

• DOI: 10.1007/s11027-020-09916-3
• Publication Date: 2020-06-22T07:02:44Z
• Authors: Martin A. Bolinder; Felicity Crotty; Annemie Elsen; Magdalena Frac; Tamás Kismányoky; Jerzy Lipiec; Mia Tits; Zoltán Tóth; Thomas Kätterer
• Keywords: Agroecosystem; Soil carbon; Crop Residue

Abstract International initiatives are emphasizing the capture of atmospheric CO 2 in soil organic C (SOC) to reduce climatic footprint from agroecosystems. One approach quantify contribution management practices towards that goal is through analysis long-term experiments (LTEs). Our objectives were analyze knowledge gained literature reviews on SOC changes LTEs, evaluate results regarding interactions with pedo-climatological factors, and discuss disparities among data selection criteria. We summarized mean response ratios (RRs) stock change rate (SCR) effect size indices twenty using paired comparisons ( N ). The highest RRs found manure applications (30%, = 418), followed by aboveground crop residue retention use cover crops (9–10%, 995 129), while nitrogen fertilization was lowest (6%, 846). SCR for exceeded (233 versus 117 kg ha −1 year , 183 279) (409 331 217 176). When allows, we recommend calculating both RR because it improves interpretation. synthesis shows not always consistent interaction texture climate remain inconclusive. Selection criteria study durations highly variable, resulting irregular conclusions time SOC. also relationships yield cropping systems, as well conceptual problems when scaling-up obtained field studies regional levels.