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SPP 1090 AG 2: Mechanisms and Regulation of the Formation of Stable Soil Organic Matter: The Role of Black Carbon
Project
Project code: keine Angaben
Contract period: 01.01.2000
- 01.01.2006
Purpose of research: Basic research
New results suggest that black carbon is often an important component of stable soil organic matter. This may be of great importance in view of the CO2-source and sink function of soils. According to Schmidt et al. (1999), Glaser (1999) and Zech et al. (unpublished), soil organic matter of humus-rich soils consists of up to 50% of black carbon. As long-term experiments are suitable for assessing the mechanisms of humus stabilization, we intend to study the role of black carbon in the formation of stable soil organic matter in Central European Chernozems (they contain up to 45% black carbon; Schmidt et al., 1999) at the locations Halle and Bad Lauchstädt. We will investigate the interactions between black carbon and the mineral components in the fine earth and selected fractions (texture, aggregate, density fractions). Moreover, we will examine archived soil samples for determination of long-term oxidation of black carbon. A long-term incubation experiment with isotope-labeled material shall give further details of how fast black carbon changes chemically and which factors control these changes.
Section overview
Subjects
- Soil science