scholarly journals The use of radiocarbon <sup>14</sup>C to constrain carbon dynamics in the soil module of the land surface model ORCHIDEE (SVN r5165)

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 4711-4726 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marwa Tifafi ◽  
Marta Camino-Serrano ◽  
Christine Hatté ◽  
Hector Morras ◽  
Lucas Moretti ◽  
...  

Abstract. Despite the importance of soil as a large component of the terrestrial ecosystem, the soil compartments are not well represented in land surface models (LSMs). Indeed, soils in current LSMs are generally represented based on a very simplified schema that can induce a misrepresentation of the deep dynamics of soil carbon. Here, we present a new version of the Institut Pierre Simon Laplace (IPSL) LSM called ORCHIDEE-SOM (ORganizing Carbon and Hydrology in Dynamic EcosystEms-Soil Organic Matter), incorporating the 14C dynamics into the soil. ORCHIDEE-SOM first simulates soil carbon dynamics for different layers, down to 2 m depth. Second, concentration of dissolved organic carbon and its transport are modelled. Finally, soil organic carbon decomposition is considered taking into account the priming effect. After implementing 14C in the soil module of the model, we evaluated model outputs against observations of soil organic carbon and modern 14C fraction (F14C) for different sites with different characteristics. The model managed to reproduce the soil organic carbon stocks and the F14C along the vertical profiles for the sites examined. However, an overestimation of the total carbon stock was noted, primarily on the surface layer. Due to 14C, it is possible to probe carbon age in the soil, which was found to be underestimated. Thereafter, two different tests on this new version have been established. The first was to increase carbon residence time of the passive pool and decrease the flux from the slow pool to the passive pool. The second was to establish an equation of diffusion, initially constant throughout the profile, making it vary exponentially as a function of depth. The first modifications did not improve the capacity of the model to reproduce observations, whereas the second test improved both estimation of surface soil carbon stock as well as soil carbon age. This demonstrates that we should focus more on vertical variation in soil parameters as a function of depth, in order to upgrade the representation of the global carbon cycle in LSMs, thereby helping to improve predictions of the of soil organic carbon to environmental changes.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marwa Tifafi ◽  
Marta Camino-Serrano ◽  
Christine Hatté ◽  
Hector Morras ◽  
Lucas Moretti ◽  
...  

Abstract. Despite the importance of soil as a large component of the terrestrial ecosystems, the soil compartments are not well represented in the Land Surface Models (LSMs). Indeed, soils in current LSMs are generally represented based on a very simplified schema that can induce a misrepresentation of the deep dynamics of soil carbon. Here, we present a new version of the IPSL-Land Surface Model called ORCHIDEE-SOM, incorporating the 14C dynamic in the soil. ORCHIDEE-SOM, first, simulates soil carbon dynamics for different layers, down to 2 m depth. Second, concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and its transport are modeled. Finally, soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition is considered taking into account the priming effect. After implementing the 14C in the soil module of the model, we evaluated model outputs against observations of soil organic carbon and 14C activity (F14C) for different sites with different characteristics. The model managed to reproduce the soil organic carbon stocks and the F14C along the vertical profiles. However, an overestimation of the total carbon stock was noted, but was mostly marked on the surface. Then, thanks to the introduction of 14C, it has been possible to highlight an underestimation of the age of carbon in the soil. Thereafter, two different tests on this new version have been established. The first was to increase carbon residence time of the passive pool and decrease the flux from the slow pool to the passive pool. The second was to establish an equation of diffusion, initially constant throughout the profile, making it vary exponentially as a function of depth. The first modifications did not improve the capacity of the model to reproduce observations whereas the second test showed a decrease of the soil carbon stock overestimation, especially at the surface and an improvement of the estimates of the carbon age. This assumes that we should focus more on vertical variation of soil parameters as a function of depth, mainly for diffusion, in order to upgrade the representation of global carbon cycle in LSMs, thereby helping to improve predictions of the future response of soil organic carbon to global warming.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 937-957 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Camino-Serrano ◽  
Bertrand Guenet ◽  
Sebastiaan Luyssaert ◽  
Philippe Ciais ◽  
Vladislav Bastrikov ◽  
...  

Abstract. Current land surface models (LSMs) typically represent soils in a very simplistic way, assuming soil organic carbon (SOC) as a bulk, and thus impeding a correct representation of deep soil carbon dynamics. Moreover, LSMs generally neglect the production and export of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from soils to rivers, leading to overestimations of the potential carbon sequestration on land. This common oversimplified processing of SOC in LSMs is partly responsible for the large uncertainty in the predictions of the soil carbon response to climate change. In this study, we present a new soil carbon module called ORCHIDEE-SOM, embedded within the land surface model ORCHIDEE, which is able to reproduce the DOC and SOC dynamics in a vertically discretized soil to 2 m. The model includes processes of biological production and consumption of SOC and DOC, DOC adsorption on and desorption from soil minerals, diffusion of SOC and DOC, and DOC transport with water through and out of the soils to rivers. We evaluated ORCHIDEE-SOM against observations of DOC concentrations and SOC stocks from four European sites with different vegetation covers: a coniferous forest, a deciduous forest, a grassland, and a cropland. The model was able to reproduce the SOC stocks along their vertical profiles at the four sites and the DOC concentrations within the range of measurements, with the exception of the DOC concentrations in the upper soil horizon at the coniferous forest. However, the model was not able to fully capture the temporal dynamics of DOC concentrations. Further model improvements should focus on a plant- and depth-dependent parameterization of the new input model parameters, such as the turnover times of DOC and the microbial carbon use efficiency. We suggest that this new soil module, when parameterized for global simulations, will improve the representation of the global carbon cycle in LSMs, thus helping to constrain the predictions of the future SOC response to global warming.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Camino-Serrano ◽  
Bertrand Guenet ◽  
Sebastiaan Luyssaert ◽  
Philippe Ciais ◽  
Vladislav Bastrikov ◽  
...  

Abstract. Current Land Surface Models (LSMs) typically represent soils in a very simplistic way, assuming soil organic carbon (SOC) as a bulk, thus impeding a correct representation of deep soil carbon dynamics. Moreover, LSMs generally neglect the production and export of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from soils to rivers, leading to overestimations of the potential carbon sequestration on land. These common oversimplified processing of SOC in LSMs is partly responsible for the large uncertainty in the predictions of the soil carbon response to climate change. In this study, we present a new soil carbon module called ORCHIDEE-SOM, embedded within the land surface model ORCHIDEE, which is able to reproduce the DOC and SOC dynamics in a vertically discretized soil to two meters. The model includes processes of biological production and consumption of SOC and DOC, DOC adsorption on- and desorption from soil minerals, diffusion of SOC and DOC and DOC transport with water through and out of the soils to rivers. We evaluated ORCHIDEE-SOM against observations of DOC concentrations and SOC stocks from four European sites with different vegetation covers: a coniferous forest, a deciduous forest, a grassland and a cropland. The model was able to reproduce the SOC stocks along their vertical profiles at the four sites and the DOC concentrations within the range of measurements, with the exception of the DOC concentrations in the upper soil horizon at the coniferous forest. However, the model was not able to fully capture the temporal dynamics of DOC concentrations. Further model improvements should focus on a plant- and depth- dependent parameterization of the new input model parameters, such as the decomposition times of DOC and the microbial carbon use efficiency. We suggest that this new soil module, when parameterized for global simulations, will improve the representation of the global carbon cycle in LSMs, thus helping to constrain the predictions of the future SOC response to global warming.


2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heyun Wang ◽  
Zhi Dong ◽  
Jianying Guo ◽  
Hongli Li ◽  
Jinrong Li ◽  
...  

Grassland ecosystems, an important component of the terrestrial environment, play an essential role in the global carbon cycle and balance. We considered four different grazing intensities on a Stipa breviflora desert steppe: heavy grazing (HG), moderate grazing (MG), light grazing (LG), and an area fenced to exclude livestock grazing as the Control (CK). The analyses of the aboveground biomass, litter, belowground biomass, soil organic carbon and soil light fraction organic carbon were utilised to study the organic carbon stock characteristics in the S. breviflora desert steppe under different grazing intensities. This is important to reveal the mechanisms of grazing impact on carbon processes in the desert steppe, and can provide a theoretical basis for conservation and utilisation of grassland resources. Results showed that the carbon stock was 11.98–44.51 g m–2 in aboveground biomass, 10.43–36.12 g m–2 in plant litters, and 502.30–804.31 g m–2 in belowground biomass (0–40 cm). It was significantly higher in CK than in MG and HG. The carbon stock at 0–40-cm soil depth was 7817.43–9694.16 g m–2, and it was significantly higher in LG than in CK and HG. The total carbon stock in the vegetation-soil system was 8342.14–10494.80 g m–2 under different grazing intensities, with the largest value in LG, followed by MG, CK, and HG. About 90.54–93.71% of the total carbon in grassland ecosystem was reserved in soil. The LG and MG intensities were beneficial to the accumulation of soil organic carbon stock. The soil light fraction organic carbon stock was 484.20–654.62 g m–2 and was the highest under LG intensity. The LG and MG intensities were beneficial for soil nutrient accumulation in the desert steppe.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (18) ◽  
pp. 5235-5244 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Chappell ◽  
N. P. Webb ◽  
R. A. Viscarra Rossel ◽  
E. Bui

Abstract. The debate remains unresolved about soil erosion substantially offsetting fossil fuel emissions and acting as an important source or sink of CO2. There is little historical land use and management context to this debate, which is central to Australia's recent past of European settlement, agricultural expansion and agriculturally-induced soil erosion. We use "catchment" scale (∼25 km2) estimates of 137Cs-derived net (1950s–1990) soil redistribution of all processes (wind, water and tillage) to calculate the net soil organic carbon (SOC) redistribution across Australia. We approximate the selective removal of SOC at net eroding locations and SOC enrichment of transported sediment and net depositional locations. We map net (1950s–1990) SOC redistribution across Australia and estimate erosion by all processes to be ∼4 Tg SOC yr−1, which represents a loss of ∼2% of the total carbon stock (0–10 cm) of Australia. Assuming this net SOC loss is mineralised, the flux (∼15 Tg CO2-equivalents yr−1) represents an omitted 12% of CO2-equivalent emissions from all carbon pools in Australia. Although a small source of uncertainty in the Australian carbon budget, the mass flux interacts with energy and water fluxes, and its omission from land surface models likely creates more uncertainty than has been previously recognised.


Author(s):  
K.K. Vikrant ◽  
D.S. Chauhan ◽  
R.H. Rizvi

Climate change is one of the impending problems that have affected the productivity of agroecosystems which calls for urgent action. Carbon sequestration through agroforestry along altitude in mountainous regions is one of the options to contribute to global climate change mitigation. Three altitudes viz. lower (286-1200m), middle (1200-2000m), and upper (2000-2800m) have been selected in Tehri district. Ten Quadrates (10m × 10 m) were randomly selected from each altitude in agrisilviculture system. At every sampling point, one composite soil sample was taken at 30 cm soil depth for soil organic carbon analysis. For the purpose of woody biomass, Non destructive method and for crop biomass assessment destructive method was employed. Finally, aboveground biomass (AGB), belowground biomass carbon (BGB), Total tree Biomass (TTB), Crop biomass (CB), Total Biomass (TB), Total biomass carbon (TBC), soil organic carbon (SOC), and total carbon stock (TC) status were estimated and variables were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).The result indicated that AGB, BGB, TTB, CB , TB, TBC, SOC, and TC varied significantly (p < 0.05) across the altitudes. Results showed that total carbon stock followed the order upper altitude ˃ middle altitudes ˃ lower altitude. The upper altitude (2000-2800 m) AGB, BGB,TTB, TBC,SOC, and TC stock was estimated as 2.11 Mg ha-1 , 0.52 Mg ha-1, 2.63 Mg ha-1, 2.633 Mg ha-1, 1.18 Mg ha-1 , 26.53 Mg ha-1, 38.48 Mg ha-1 respectively, and significantly higher than the other altitudes. It was concluded that agrisilviculture system hold a high potential for carbon storage at temperate zones. Quercus lucotrichophora, Grewia oppositifolia and Melia azadirach contributed maximum carbon storage which may greatly contribute to the climate resilient green economy strategy and their conservation should be promoted.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 63-67
Author(s):  
Tshering Dolma Lama ◽  
Ram Asheshwar Mandal

A study was carried on ten leasehold forests of Katakuti VDC, Dolakha district to estimate the carbon stock. Random sampling was used to collect the biophysical data of trees/ poles, sapling, root and leaf litter, herb and grass. Then, the biomass was calculated using the respective equation and the calculated biomass stock was converted into carbon stock multiplying with 0.47. Similarly, the soil samples were collectewd from different depths of 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20-30 cm to determine the soil organic carbon. Lastly, all analyzed data were compiled to get total carbon stocks. The result showed that the estimated total carbon stock per ha was found to be highest in Srijana leasehold forest with 125.493 t C/ha. The estimated total carbon stock of 10 leasehold forest was found to be 1439.033 tons. Here, Leasehold forests have been an emerging and successful example in conserving forests in epal. So, it is recommended to extend such studies in other parts of Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/init.v5i0.10255   The Initiation 2013 Vol.5; 63-67


Soil Research ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 889 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. A. Knowles ◽  
B. Singh

Soil carbon is an important component of the global carbon cycle with an estimated pool of soil organic carbon of about 1500 Gt. There are few estimates of the pool of inorganic carbon, but it is thought to be approximately 50% of the organic carbon pool. There is no detailed study on the estimation of the soil carbon pool for Australian soils.In order to quantify the carbon pools and to determine the extent of spatial variability in the organic and inorganic carbon pools, 120 soil cores were taken down to a depth of 0.90 m from a typical cotton field in northern NSW. Three cores were also taken from nearby virgin bushland and these samples were used as paired samples. Each soil core was separated into 4 samples, i.e. 0–0.15, 0.15–0.30, 0.30–0.60, and 0.60–0.90 m. Soil organic carbon was determined by wet oxidation and inorganic carbon content was determined using the difference between total carbon and organic carbon, and confirmed by the acid dissolution method. Total carbon was measured using a LECO CHN analyser. Soil organic carbon of the field constituted 62% (0–0.15 m), 58% (0.15–0.30 m), 60% (0.30–0.60 m), and 67% (0.60–0.90 m) of the total soil carbon. The proportion of inorganic carbon in total carbon is higher than the global average of 32%. Organic carbon content was relatively higher in the deeper layers (>0.30�m) of the studied soils (Vertosols) compared with other soil types of Australia. The carbon content varied across the field, however, there was little correlation between the soil types (grey, red, or intergrade colour) and carbon content. The total soil carbon pool of the studied field was estimated to be about 78 t/ha for 0–0.90 m layer, which was approximately 58% of the total soil carbon in the soil under nearby remnant bushland (136 t/ha). The total pool of carbon in the cotton soils of NSW was estimated to be 44.8 Mt C, where organic carbon and inorganic carbon constitute 34.9 Mt C and 9.9 Mt C, respectively. Based on the results of a limited number of paired sites under remnant vegetation, it was estimated that about 18.9 Mt of C has been lost from Vertosols by cotton cropping in NSW. With more sustainable management practices such as conservation tillage and green manuring, some of the lost carbon can be resequestered, which will help to mitigate the greenhouse effect, improve soil quality and may increase crop yield.


2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 6733-6790
Author(s):  
B. Decharme ◽  
E. Brun ◽  
A. Boone ◽  
C. Delire ◽  
P. Le Moigne ◽  
...  

Abstract. In this study we analysed how an improved representation of snowpack processes and soil properties in the multi-layer snow and soil schemes of the ISBA land surface model impacts the simulation of soil temperature profiles over North-Eurasian regions. For this purpose, we refine ISBA's snow layering algorithm and propose a parameterization of snow albedo and snow compaction/densification adapted from the detailed Crocus snowpack model. We also include a dependency on soil organic carbon content for ISBA's hydraulic and thermal soil properties. First, changes in the snowpack parameterization are evaluated against snow depth, snow water equivalent, surface albedo, and soil temperature at a 10 cm depth observed at the Col de Porte field site in the French Alps. Next, the new model version including all of the changes is used over Northern-Eurasia to evaluate the model's ability to simulate the snow depth, the soil temperature profile and the permafrost characteristics. The results confirm that an adequate simulation of snow layering and snow compaction/densification significantly impacts the snowpack characteristics and the soil temperature profile during winter, while the impact of the more accurate snow albedo computation is dominant during the spring. In summer, the accounting for the effect of soil organic carbon on hydraulic and thermal soil properties improves the simulation of the soil temperature profile. Finally, the results confirm that this last process strongly influences the simulation of the permafrost active layer thickness and its spatial distribution.


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