Organic Carbon Pools and Storage in Forest Soil

Dear Colleagues,

Soil comprises the largest pool of terrestrial C, and through soil organic matter (SOM) cycling, it represents either an important sink of atmospheric CO₂ or a possible source of greenhouse gases. SOM includes a wide range of compounds at different decomposition stages derived from litter, root turnover, and microorganisms, and its dynamics is controlled by substrate quality, biological activity, soil type, vegetation and climate. Furthermore, the stability of soil organic C (SOC) is enhanced by interactions with minerals and by occlusion within organomineral complexes that make organic C less accessible to microbial attack.

Forest covers about 30% of the total world’s land area, and forest soils are generally considered active C sink, being less affected by anthropic disturbances than agricultural soils. However, although SOC cycling is key in forest ecosystems, the processes involved in the transformation of organic matter, from a pool to another, and its stabilization have not been fully understood and are further complicated by the ongoing climate change. Indeed, temperature can influence SOC cycling both directly, through its impact on microbial metabolism, and indirectly through long-term effects on soil properties. In addition, forest management is another important factor which can improve SOC sequestration by affecting nutrient availability, amount, and quality of organic matter, and many biogeochemical cycles.

For this Special Issue, we are asking papers reporting studies on soil organic C pools (including dead wood and litter), dynamic, and sequestration in forest soils that contribute to improve both basic knowledge on the mechanisms controlling the SOC cycling and on sustainable management strategies of forest ecosystems.

Prof. Alberto Agnelli
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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