Abstract
AbstractClimate plays a critical role in altering soil carbon (C) turnover and long‐term soil C storage by regulating water availability and temperature, and in turn biological activity. However, a systematic analysis of how key climatic factors shape the global patterns of soil C turnover is still lacking. Using global observation‐based data sets and a transit time theory, here we show that—excluding croplands and cold regions—soil C turnover time (τTO) and its variability are strongly related to ecosystem aridity through a power law scaling. According to such a relation, soil C turnover is faster but also more variable in wetter regions, suggesting more complex C cycling processes. The observed scaling of τTO and its coefficient of variation with aridity underlines the fundamental controls of climate on soil C turnover and may help reconcile soil C models with empirical observations for improved projection of soil C dynamics under climate change.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
