Equilibration of the terrestrial water, nitrogen, and carbon cycles: Advocating a health threshold for carbon storage

Abstract

The world has long neglected the negative impacts that carbon (C) sequestration has on ecosystem health. Accordingly, the aims of this study were to advocate a conceptual C health threshold model devised for terrestrial ecosystems while proposing a method by which to qualify the C health threshold of ecosystems. Since coupling relationships between C, nitrogen (N), and water can shape the response of ecosystems to conditions of global climate change, this study concentrated on C sequestration, N input, and water erosion impacts on ecosystem health. If C storage exceeds the terrestrial ecosystem C health threshold, ecological degradation will either take place or ecosystems will fall into a sub-health state in accordance with the C health threshold model. Additionally, C sequestration engineering approaches, excess N inputs, and water erosion destroy the balance of C cycling processes and may consequently have an effect on the C health threshold. Therefore, analysis related to the interannual variability of C cycles and their potential future behavior must take into account mechanisms driven through the coupling of water, C, and N cycles. Defining ecosystem health will help familiarize and eventually lead to proficiency in understanding C health threshold awareness. This will aid in determining the appropriate ecological restoration measures to take when dealing with climate change impacts, leading to the preservation of biogeochemical C cycling native to terrestrial ecosystems.