Researchers in China have made a significant breakthrough in understanding soil carbon sequestration, a crucial process for mitigating climate change. Scientists from the South China Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have identified key mechanisms that enhance the carbon sink function and stability of terrestrial ecosystems.
The study highlights the critical roles of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) in organic carbon accumulation and stabilization. DOM is a complex mixture of organic compounds that plays a key role in soil aggregation, provides an energy source for microorganisms, and facilitates carbon storage. GRSP, produced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, is known for its soil aggregation and carbon sequestration properties.
By analyzing coastal dune chronosequences over a 2-million-year period, the team investigated the influence of climate and soil development on DOM and GRSP. The findings indicate that DOM accumulation and stability are greater in wet, cold climates. GRSP significantly accumulates in ancient phosphorus-deficient soils, promoting soil organic carbon accumulation and stabilization, even under long-term nutrient limitations. This research provides valuable insights into soil carbon dynamics and its potential for climate change mitigation.