A strategy for estimating the impact of CO2 fertilization on soil carbon storage

Abstract

As soils are a likely candidate for the so called missing carbon sink, we explore the possible impact of CO2 fertilization on the global humus inventory. For any given greening‐induced enhancement of plant growth, the increase in soil carbon inventory will depend on the spectrum of turnover times with respect to oxidation. Here we develop estimates of carbon turnover rates based on soil radiocarbon measurements.