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A multiisotope C and N modeling analysis of soil organic matter turnover and transport as a function of soil depth in a California annual grassland soil chronosequence

W.T. Baisden·Ronald Amundson·D.L. Brenner·A.C. Cook·C. Kendall·J.W. Harden
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Abstract

We examine soil organic matter (SOM) turnover and transport using C and N isotopes in soil profiles sampled circa 1949, 1978, and 1998 (a period spanning pulse thermonuclear 14 C enrichment of the atmosphere) along a 3‐million‐year annual grassland soil chronosequence. Temporal differences in soil Δ 14 C profiles indicate that inputs of recently living organic matter (OM) occur primarily in the upper 20–30 cm but suggest that OM inputs can occur below the primary rooting zone. A three‐pool SOM model with downward transport captures most observed variation in Δ 14 C, percentages of C and N, δ 13 C, and δ 15 N, supporting the commonly accepted concept of three distinct SOM pools. The model suggests that the importance of the decadal SOM pool in N dynamics is greatest in young and old soils. Altered hydrology and possibly low pH and/or P dynamics in highly developed old soils cause changes in soil C and N turnover and transport of importance for soil biogeochemistry models.

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W.T. Baisden, Ronald Amundson, D.L. Brenner, A.C. Cook, C. Kendall, J.W. Harden. 2002-12-20. A multiisotope C and N modeling analysis of soil organic matter turnover and transport as a function of soil depth in a California annual grassland soil chronosequence. https://doi.org/10.1029/2001gb001823

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