Forests and arable fields

Forests. Disturbances such as storms, droughts, fires, or pest outbreaks can suddenly reduce vegetation cover and change organic inputs. Human activities can have similar effects — timber harvesting removes biomass and may disturb the forest floor. When trees are removed, soils become more exposed and warmer, accelerating decomposition.

Arable fields. Arable soils generally contain lower levels of SOM, and their carbon dynamics are strongly influenced by management. Intensive tillage increases aeration and accelerates microbial decomposition. Removing crop residues reduces organic returns. Cropping systems that include cover crops, diverse rotations, or perennial phases tend to supply more diverse organic inputs.

Soil compaction by heavy machinery further affects soil structure. Warmer temperatures generally increase microbial activity and decomposition.

Optional: Climate-smart arable soil management — see Bolinder et al. (2020).