Work

Spatial distribution of soil carbon inputs in two contrasted hedge agroforestry systems

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Hedge agroforestry systems are known for their potential to store large amounts of carbon (C) in agricultural soils, but there remains a lack of understanding about the spatial distribution of soil organic C (SOC) stocks near hedges. This study thus focused on the spatial organisation of C inputs near hedges associations with two cropping systems typical of mixed farming in Normandy, France. The two sites selected consisted of mixed hedges adjacent to a permanent grassland or a cropland rotation (i.e. annual crops and temporary grassland). At both sites, C inputs from fine roots, hedge leaf litter, applied organic fertilisation, crop/grass residues and grazing cattle were measured from 0 to 30 cm in depth at distances of 1, 3 and 10 m from the hedge. At the same time, SOC stocks and their distribution in the fine and coarse fractions of the soil were measured from 0 to 90 cm in depth at the same distances. showed higher C inputs from fine-root turnover and hedge leaf litter at 1 and 3 m in cropland compared to 10 m, while C inputs from crop residues were higher at 10 m. In grassland, more C inputs came from fine-root turnover and grass residues at 1 and 3 m from the hedge. C input from hedge leaf litter was associated with high SOC storage in the coarse soil fraction, while C inputs from fine roots were associated with high SOC storage in the fine soil fraction. While the results showed that hedges contributed less than expected to soil C inputs, they also showed the need to maintain the current hedge linear layout to avoid a rapid decline in soil carbon stocks derived from hedges, which are largely made up of labile carbon. • Distribution of carbon inputs near mixed hedges bordering fields was investigated. • Carbon input increased near the hedge from fine-root turnover and hedge leaf litter. • Hedge leaf litter carbon input was mainly stored in the soil coarse fraction. • Fine root carbon input was mainly stored in the soil fine fraction.

Source: Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.agee.2025.110104

Authors: Lucas Lesaint, Valérie Viaud

Institutions: Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement, Sol Agro et hydrosystème Spatialisation, L'Institut Agro

Language: English

Topic: Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics

Subfield: Soil Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Climate action, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,190