scholarly journals Density fractions versus size separates: does physical fractionation isolate functional soil compartments?

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 8405-8447 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Moni ◽  
D. Derrien ◽  
P.-J. Hatton ◽  
B. Zeller ◽  
M. Kleber
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Mineral Surfaces ◽  
Density Fractionation ◽  
Adsorbed State ◽  
Density Fractions ◽  
Physical Fractionation ◽  
Comprehensive Picture ◽  
Mineral Soils ◽  
Decomposition Pathway

Abstract. Physical fractionation is a widely used methodology to study soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics, but concerns have been raised that the available fractionation methods do not well describe functional SOM pools. We also examine the question whether physical fractionation techniques isolate ecologically meaningful, functionally relevant soil compartments. In this study we explore whether the kind of information that aggregate density fractionation (ADF) and particle size-density fractionation (PSDF) yield on soil OM dynamics is method-specific, similar, or complimentary. We do so by following the incorporation of a 15N label into mineral soils of two European beech forests a decade after its application as 15N labelled litter. Both density and size-based fractionation methods suggested that OM became increasingly associated with the mineral phase as decomposition progressed, within aggregates and onto mineral surfaces. Our results suggest that physical fractionation methods do isolate ecologically relevant functional soil subunits. However, scientists investigating specific aspects of OM dynamics are pointed towards ADF when adsorption and aggregation processes are of interest, whereas PSDF is the superior tool to research the fate of particulate organic matter (POM). Some methodological caveats were observed mainly for the PSDF procedure, the most important one being that fine fractions isolated after sonication can not be linked to any defined decomposition pathway or stabilisation process. This also implies that historical assumptions about the "adsorbed" state of carbon associated with fine fractions need to be re-evaluated. Finally, this work demonstrates that establishing a comprehensive picture of whole soil OM dynamics requires a combination of both methodologies and we offer a suggestion for an efficient combination of the density and size-based approaches.

scholarly journals Density fractions versus size separates: does physical fractionation isolate functional soil compartments?

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 5181-5197 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Moni ◽  
D. Derrien ◽  
P.-J. Hatton ◽  
B. Zeller ◽  
M. Kleber
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Nitrogen Dynamics ◽  
Protective Mechanism ◽  
Density Fractionation ◽  
Adsorbed State ◽  
Density Fractions ◽  
Physical Fractionation ◽  
Comprehensive Picture

Abstract. Physical fractionation is a widely used methodology to study soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics, but concerns have been raised that the available fractionation methods do not well describe functional SOM pools. In this study we explore whether physical fractionation techniques isolate soil compartments in a meaningful and functionally relevant way for the investigation of litter-derived nitrogen dynamics at the decadal timescale. We do so by performing aggregate density fractionation (ADF) and particle size-density fractionation (PSDF) on mineral soil samples from two European beech forests a decade after application of 15N labelled litter. Both density and size-based fractionation methods suggested that litter-derived nitrogen became increasingly associated with the mineral phase as decomposition progressed, within aggregates and onto mineral surfaces. However, scientists investigating specific aspects of litter-derived nitrogen dynamics are pointed towards ADF when adsorption and aggregation processes are of interest, whereas PSDF is the superior tool to research the fate of particulate organic matter (POM). Some methodological caveats were observed mainly for the PSDF procedure, the most important one being that fine fractions isolated after sonication can not be linked to any defined decomposition pathway or protective mechanism. This also implies that historical assumptions about the "adsorbed" state of carbon associated with fine fractions need to be re-evaluated. Finally, this work demonstrates that establishing a comprehensive picture of whole soil OM dynamics requires a combination of both methodologies and we offer a suggestion for an efficient combination of the density and size-based approaches.

scholarly journals Depositional Processes of Organic Matter in the Rhône River Delta (Gulf of Lions, France) Traced by Density Fractionation Coupled with Δ14C and δ13C

Radiocarbon ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 920-931 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flora Toussaint ◽  
Nadine Tisnérat-Laborde ◽  
Cécile Cathalot ◽  
Roselyne Buscail ◽  
Philippe Kerhervé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Stable Carbon Isotopes ◽  
Density Fractionation ◽  
Rhône River ◽  
Density Fraction ◽  
Density Fractions ◽  
Depositional Processes ◽  
Single Station ◽  
Rhone River ◽  
Coastal Sea

As a main source of freshwater and particles, the Rhône River plays a major role in the biogeochemical cycle of organic carbon (OC) in the Mediterranean Sea. To better understand the origin of organic matter and the processes leading to its export to the coastal sea near the Rhône River, we measured radiocarbon (Δ14C) and stable carbon isotopes (δ13C) in the sediments of the delta, after density fractionation. In April 2007, 3 sites located along an offshore transect (A, C, and E) were sampled for surface sediments, and bulk sediment was separated into 4 fractions of different densities (<1.6, 1.6–2, 2–2.5, and >2.5 g cm−3). In order to better understand the evolution of the OC along the transect, we investigated the OC sources and their evolution for each density fraction. Bulk OC shows a large increase in δ13C from −27.2′ nearshore to −24.5′ at offshore stations while Δ14C decreased from 59′ to −320′. The distribution of δ13C with density displayed a convex pattern at all stations. Except for fraction >2.5 g cm−3, δ13C increases by 2.5′ between stations A and E, indicating a loss of terrestrial signature. The distribution of Δ14C versus density had a concave pattern at all stations: at a single station, it showed a large heterogeneity with a difference of 500–600′ between the <1.6 and 2–2.5 g cm−3 fractions. A decrease in Δ14C of −400′ among the different density fractions was observed along the offshore transect. The density fraction >2.5 g cm−3 had less variability, with an average δ13C of −24.6 ± 0.4′ and Δ14C of −370 ± 115′. Several processes may explain this distribution: retention in the prodelta of large particles; mineralization of all fractions during the transport and deposition in the delta and shelf sediments; and dilution of terrestrial particles in continental shelf pool.

scholarly journals Gone or just out of sight? The apparent disappearance of aromatic litter components in soils

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Klotzbücher ◽  
K. Kalbitz ◽  
C. Cerli ◽  
P. J. Hernes ◽  
K. Kaiser
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Lignin Degradation ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Data Interpretation ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Mineral Surfaces ◽  
Basic Understanding ◽  
Mineral Soils

Abstract. Uncertainties concerning stabilization of organic compounds in soil limit our basic understanding on soil organic matter (SOM) formation and our ability to model and manage effects of global change on SOM stocks. One controversially debated aspect is the contribution of aromatic litter components, such as lignin and tannins, to stable SOM forms. In the present opinion paper, we summarize and discuss the inconsistencies and propose research options to clear them. Lignin degradation takes place step-wise, starting with (i) depolymerisation, followed by (ii) transformation of the water-soluble depolymerization products. The long-term fate of the depolymerization products and other soluble aromatics, e.g., tannins, in the mineral soils is still a mystery. Research on dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition and fluxes indicates dissolved aromatics are important precursors of stable SOM attached to mineral surfaces and persist in soils for centuries to millennia. Evidence comes from flux analyses in soil profiles, biodegradation assays, and sorption experiments. In contrast, studies on composition of mineral-associated SOM indicate the prevalence of non-aromatic microbialderived compounds. Other studies suggest the turnover of lignin in soil can be faster than the turnover of bulk SOM. Mechanisms that can explain the apparent fast disappearance of lignin in mineral soils are, however, not yet identified. The contradictions might be explained by analytical problems. Commonly used methods probably detect only a fraction of the aromatics stored in the mineral soil. Careful data interpretation, critical assessment of analytical limitations, and combined studies on DOM and solid-phase SOM could thus be ways to unveil the issues.

scholarly journals Gone or just out of sight? The apparent disappearance of aromatic litter components in soils

SOIL ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thimo Klotzbücher ◽  
Karsten Kalbitz ◽  
Chiara Cerli ◽  
Peter J. Hernes ◽  
Klaus Kaiser
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Lignin Degradation ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Data Interpretation ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Mineral Surfaces ◽  
Basic Understanding ◽  
Mineral Soils

Abstract. Uncertainties concerning stabilization of organic compounds in soil limit our basic understanding on soil organic matter (SOM) formation and our ability to model and manage effects of global change on SOM stocks. One controversially debated aspect is the contribution of aromatic litter components, such as lignin and tannins, to stable SOM forms. In the present opinion paper, we summarize and discuss the inconsistencies and propose research options to clear them. Lignin degradation takes place stepwise, starting with (i) depolymerization and followed by (ii) transformation of the water-soluble depolymerization products. The long-term fate of the depolymerization products and other soluble aromatics, e.g., tannins, in the mineral soils is still a mystery. Research on dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition and fluxes indicates dissolved aromatics are important precursors of stable SOM attached to mineral surfaces and persist in soils for centuries to millennia. Evidence comes from flux analyses in soil profiles, biodegradation assays, and sorption experiments. In contrast, studies on composition of mineral-associated SOM indicate the prevalence of non-aromatic microbial-derived compounds. Other studies suggest the turnover of lignin in soil can be faster than the turnover of bulk SOM. Mechanisms that can explain the apparent fast disappearance of lignin in mineral soils are, however, not yet identified. The contradictions might be explained by analytical problems. Commonly used methods probably detect only a fraction of the aromatics stored in the mineral soil. Careful data interpretation, critical assessment of analytical limitations, and combined studies on DOM and solid-phase SOM could thus be ways to unveil the issues.

Influence of elevated soil temperature and biochar application on organic matter associated with aggregate-size and density fractions in an arable soil

2017 ◽  
Vol 241 ◽  
pp. 79-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis Grunwald ◽  
Michael Kaiser ◽  
Simone Junker ◽  
Sven Marhan ◽  
Hans-Peter Piepho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Aggregate Size ◽  
Arable Soil ◽  
Density Fractions

scholarly journals Biotic and Abiotic Determinants of Soil Organic Matter Stock and Fine Root Biomass in Mountain Area Temperate Forests—Examples from Cambisols under European Beech, Norway Spruce and Silver Fir (Carpathians, Central Europe)

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 823
Author(s):  
Anna Zielonka ◽  
Marek Drewnik ◽  
Łukasz Musielok ◽  
Marcin K. Dyderski ◽  
Dariusz Struzik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Root Biomass ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Silver Fir ◽  
Beech Forests

Forest ecosystems significantly contribute to the global organic carbon (OC) pool, exhibiting high spatial heterogeneity in this respect. Some of the components of the OC pool in a forest (woody aboveground biomass (wAGB), coarse root biomass (CRB)) can be relatively easily estimated using readily available data from land observation and forest inventories, while some of the components of the OC pool are very difficult to determine (fine root biomass (FRB) and soil organic matter (SOM) stock). The main objectives of our study were to: (1) estimate the SOM stock; (2) estimate FRB; and (3) assess the relationship between both biotic (wAGB, forest age, foliage, stand density) and abiotic factors (climatic conditions, relief, soil properties) and SOM stocks and FRB in temperate forests in the Western Carpathians consisting of European beech, Norway spruce, and silver fir (32 forest inventory plots in total). We uncovered the highest wAGB in beech forests and highest SOM stocks under beech forest. FRB was the highest under fir forest. We noted a considerable impact of stand density on SOM stocks, particularly in beech and spruce forests. FRB content was mostly impacted by stand density only in beech forests without any discernible effects on other forest characteristics. We discovered significant impacts of relief-dependent factors and SOM stocks at all the studied sites. Our biomass and carbon models informed by more detailed environmental data led to reduce the uncertainty in over- and underestimation in Cambisols under beech, spruce, and fir forests for mountain temperate forest carbon pools.

The dynamics of organic matter in soil size and density fractions traced by stable carbon isotopes

2003 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liu Qiming ◽  
Wang Shijie ◽  
Piao Hechun ◽  
Ouyang Ziyuan
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Carbon Isotopes ◽  
Stable Carbon Isotopes ◽  
Stable Carbon ◽  
Density Fractions

scholarly journals The influence of feed quality from peat soils on the productivity of cattle

2021 ◽  
Vol 901 (1) ◽  
pp. 012017
Author(s):  
A N Ulanov ◽  
V N Kovshova ◽  
O G Mokrushina ◽  
A V Smirnova ◽  
A L Glubokovskih ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Human Activity ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Resource Saving ◽  
Peat Soils ◽  
Genetic Potential ◽  
Mineral Soils ◽  
Livestock Products

Abstract In the context of the implementation of environmental, resource-saving systems of agriculture, research in the system of biogeocenosis is very relevant: soil – plant-feed-animal-livestock products. Peatlands and developed peat soils are a kind of environment for human activity in this system. As a result of many years of research, it was found that perennial grasses grown on peat soils have differences in chemical composition compared to plants grown on mineral soils. They contain more organic matter and raw protein. However, their digestibility of nutrients is lower than in herbs grown on mineral soils. Therefore, for a full-fledged balanced feeding of cows, the realization of the genetic potential of animal productivity, and the preservation of their health, scientifically-based diets are necessary, developed on the basis of bulky feeds obtained from peat and developed soils, with the introduction of appropriate feed additives in them.

scholarly journals Thermal fractionation of soil organic matter produces fine-scale distributions of SOM age

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shane Stoner ◽  
Carlos Sierra ◽  
Marion Schrumpf ◽  
Sebastian Dötterl ◽  
Susan Trumbore
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Stability ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Chemical Oxidation ◽  
Fine Scale ◽  
Mineral Association ◽  
Density Fractions ◽  
Chemical Complexity ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Carbon Release

&lt;p&gt;Soil organic matter (SOM) is a complex collection of organic molecules of varying origin, structure, chemical activity, and mineral association. A wide array of laboratory methods exists to separate SOM based on qualitative, biological, chemical, and physical characteristics. However, all present conceptual and logistical limitations, including the requirement of a substantial amount soil material.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;An newly applied alternative method of fractionation relies on a conceptual analogue between biochemical stability in soil and thermal stability, e.g. more persistent SOM will require higher temperatures (greater energy inputs) to decompose than less persistent SOM. This accounts for both chemical complexity and mineral association as main factors in determining SOM persistence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this method, carbon is released by heating SOM to 900&amp;#176;C at a constant rate. The peaks of carbon release are grouped into activation energy pools, CO&lt;sub&gt;2 &lt;/sub&gt;is collected, and analyzed for &lt;sup&gt;13&lt;/sup&gt;C and &lt;sup&gt;14&lt;/sup&gt;C. We seek to describe in finer detail the distribution of soil radiocarbon by adding another fractionation step following a different paradigm of SOM stability, and explore mineralogical effects on SOM quality and stability using thermal analysis, radiocarbon, and gas chromatography.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here, we analyzed bulk soil and soil fractions derived from density separation and chemical oxidation, as well as mineral horizons dominated by diverse mineralogies. Density fractions contained a wide range of radiocarbon activities and that young SOM is stabilized across multiple fractions, likely due to organomineral complexation. Initial results showed that soil minerals with limited stabilization potential released C at lower temperatures than those with diverse stabilization mechanisms. High-temperature sub-fractions contained the oldest carbon across fractions and minerals, thus supporting the assumption that thermal stability can be used as a limited analogue for stability in soil. We present a fine-scale distribution of radiocarbon in SOM and discuss the potential of this method for comparison with other fractionation techniques.&lt;/p&gt;

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