Recommended Citation
August 1, 2013.
Abstract
Some terrestrial ecosystems and soils serve as carbon sinks, partially offsetting rising atmospheric CO2 levels. Physiochemical mechanisms of soil organic matter (SOM) stabilization affect how carbon stocks respond to global warming. In order to clarify the variance in SOM stabilization mechanisms across different soil types, SOM abundance, distribution and mean residence time (MRT) were compared for thirty-two soil samples from six ecosystems across the United States. Soils were previously described, collected and archived by the United States Geological Survey. Samples were processed by LLNL at the Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (CAMS) using density fractionation to separate particulate organics from mineral components. SOM abundance and distribution were compared among sites. Graphitization and radiocarbon analysis conducted at CAMS determined 14C/13C ratios which were used to evaluate differences in SOM MRT across the various ecosystems. Results confirmed SOM turnover varied among sites; therefore the response of SOM to global warming may vary among soils. Further work will explore how variance in SOM MRT is related to particular soil physiochemical properties such as mineral assemblage. Data from this investigation will be used in quantitative ranking of soil stabilization mechanisms and management of this important carbon sink. Initial investigation will allow for quantitative ranking of soil stabilization mechanisms and management of this important carbon sink.
Disciplines
Atmospheric Sciences | Climate | Environmental Chemistry | Geology | Other Earth Sciences | Other Environmental Sciences | Soil Science
Mentor
Kate Heckman
Lab site
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)
Funding Acknowledgement
This material is based upon work supported by the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation and by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0952013. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation or the National Science Foundation. This project has also been made possible with support of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The STAR program is administered by the Cal Poly Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education (CESaME) on behalf of the California State University (CSU).
Included in
Atmospheric Sciences Commons, Climate Commons, Environmental Chemistry Commons, Geology Commons, Other Earth Sciences Commons, Other Environmental Sciences Commons, Soil Science Commons
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/star/229