Science Says Ep2 Ruminating on soil carbon – WA (Video)
In this Carbon Sync video, Kirsten Ball unpacks the findings of a 2024 international research paper, Ruminating on soil carbon: applying current understanding to inform grazing management (authors: P Stanley, C Wilson, E Patterson, M Machmuller, F Cotrufo). This paper explores whether improved grazing management can increase soil carbon. It introduces the concept of ecophysiological elements (EEs) – plant and soil responses that connect grazing decisions to soil carbon outcomes. Grazing affects five key EEs: groundcover, productivity, root allocation, input quality, and diversity. Managing these EEs well can stabilise carbon in soils, particularly as mineral-associated organic matter, while maintaining stocks of particulate organic matter. Practices such as planned grazing, rest periods, even manure distribution, maintaining groundcover, encouraging deep roots, and using diverse pasture species build resilience and improve carbon storage. Outcomes vary with climate, soils, pasture type and rainfall. [8:29]#
This is a carefully curated database of important soil resources. The data base is not exhaustive but rather a library of the resources we believe are the most useful for the audience. Each resource has been added after careful consideration against our selection criteria, including but not limited to its scientific validity, accessibility, and readability. The library generally does not include most academic research papers but may include some open-source papers written in accessible English.
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SSA reminds users that these resources are a guide only. Our understanding of soil science is improving continuously so it is important to check the suitability of the information for your purpose with an appropriately qualified professional such as a Registered Soil Professional or a Certified Professional Soil ScientistÂ
