Microbial necromass in cropland soils: A global meta‐analysis of management effects
China Agricultural University · Michigan State University · +6 more institutions
Abstract
Microbial necromass is a large and persistent component of soil organic carbon (SOC), especially under croplands. The effects of cropland management on microbial necromass accumulation and its contribution to SOC have been measured in individual studies but have not yet been summarized on the global scale. We conducted a meta-analysis of 481-paired measurements from cropland soils to examine the management effects on microbial necromass and identify the optimal conditions for its accumulation. Nitrogen fertilization increased total microbial necromass C by 12%, cover crops by 14%, no or reduced tillage (NT/RT) by 20%, manure by 21%, and straw amendment by 21%. Microbial necromass accumulation was independent…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 33.05
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 85
Authors
9Topics & keywords
- Soil carbon
- Straw
- Environmental science
- Soil water
- Manure
- Biochar
- Biomass (ecology)
- Tillage