• Energy Research

AbstractWe have read with interest an opinion paper recently published in the European Journal of Soil Science (Berthelin et al., 2022). This paper presents some interesting considerations, at least one of which is already well known to soil scientists working on soil organic carbon (SOC), that is, a large portion (80%–90%) of fresh carbon inputs to soil is subject to rapid mineralization. The short‐term mineralization kinetics of organic inputs is well‐known and accounted for in soil organic matter models. Thus, clearly, the long‐term predictions based on these models do not overlook short‐term mineralization. We point out that many agronomic practices can significantly contribute to SOC sequestration. If conducted responsibly whilst fully recognising the caveats, SOC sequestration can lead to a win‐win situation where agriculture can both contribute to the mitigation of climate change and adapt to it, whilst at the same time delivering other co‐benefits such as reduced soil erosion and enhanced biodiversity.Highlights Rapid mineralization of organic inputs is an important factor for soil carbon sequestration. Mineralization kinetics of organic inputs are well‐known and accounted for in soil organic matter models. Many agronomic practices can contribute significantly to SOC sequestration. SOC sequestration can lead to a win‐win situation where agriculture can both contribute to the mitigation of climate change and adapt to it.

AbstractMajor drivers of gains or losses in soil organic carbon (SOC) include land management, land‐use change, and climate change. Thousands of original studies have focused on these drivers of SOC change and are now compiled in a growing number of meta‐analyses. To critically assess the research efforts in this domain, we retrieved and characterized 192 meta‐analyses of SOC stocks or concentrations. These meta‐analyses comprise more than 13,200 original studies conducted from 1910 to 2020 in 150 countries. First, we show that, despite a growing number of studies over time, the geographical coverage of studies is limited. For example, the effect of land management, land‐use change, and climate change on SOC has been only occasionally studied in North and Central Africa, and in the Middle East and Central Asia. Second, the meta‐analyses investigated a limited number of land management practices, mostly mineral fertilization, organic amendments, and tillage. Third, the meta‐analyses demonstrated relatively low quality and transparency. Lastly, we discuss the mismatch between the increasing number of studies and the need for more local, reusable, and diversified knowledge on how to preserve high SOC stocks or restore depleted SOC stocks.

DATA4C+ is a thesaurus classifying and defining land management practices in agriculture and forestry for soil carbon storage. DATA4C+ thesaurus is focussed on land management practices identified in the scientific literature as drivers of soil organic carbon (SOC) changes. DATA4C+ thesaurus aim was to fill the gap of lack of a comprehensive thesaurus for land management practices which directly or indirectly affect SOC dynamics.

E-magazine of the Fondation de l'Université de Guyane and the Agence de la transition écologique (Agency for Ecological Transition) in accordance with ADEME/UG agreement 20GYC0082 E-magazine de la Fondation de l’Université de Guyane et de l’Agence de la transition écologique selon convention ADEME/UG 20GYC0082

The Paris Climate Agreements and Sustainable Development Goals, signed by 197 countries, present agendas and address key issues for implementing multi-scale responses for sustainable development under climate change—an effort that must involve local, regional, national, and supra-national stakeholders. In that regard, Continental Carbon Sequestration (CoCS) and conservation of carbon sinks are recognized increasingly as having potentially important roles in mitigating climate change and adapting to it. Making that potential a reality will require indicators of success for various stakeholders from multidisciplinary backgrounds, plus promotion of long-term implementation of strategic action towards civil society (e.g., law and policy makers, economists, and farmers). To help meet those challenges, this discussion paper summarizes the state of the art and uncertainties regarding CoCS, taking an interdisciplinary, holistic approach toward understanding these complex issues. The first part of the paper discusses the carbon cycle’s bio-geophysical processes, while the second introduces the plurality of geographical scales to be addressed when dealing with landscape management for CoCS. The third part addresses systemic viability, vulnerability, and resilience in CoCS practices, before concluding with the need to develop inter-disciplinarity in sustainable science, participative research, and the societal implications of sustainable CoCS actions.