In a groundbreaking study published recently in the journal Science, researchers have unveiled a massive global store of soil inorganic carbon (SIC), challenging long-held assumptions about its significance in the global carbon cycle.
Traditionally, soil carbon studies have focused on soil organic carbon (SOC), the organic matter component of soils. However, SIC—often in the form of solid calcium carbonate—has been largely overlooked, especially in arid regions with infertile soils where it tends to accumulate. Many scientists believed that SIC was not a significant factor in carbon storage due to these conditions.
Led by Huang Yuanyuan from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Zhang Ganlin from the Institute of Soil Science of the CAS, the research team conducted a comprehensive quantification of global SIC reserves. Their findings suggest that SIC plays a much more critical role in Earth’s carbon budget than previously recognized.
“The significance of soil inorganic carbon has been underestimated,” said Huang Yuanyuan. “Our study reveals that SIC is a substantial component of the global carbon pool, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions across Asia and the world.”
This revelation has far-reaching implications for understanding carbon cycling and climate change mitigation strategies. Recognizing the importance of SIC could lead to more accurate models of carbon dynamics and inform better land management practices in regions where SIC is prevalent.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, studies like this highlight the need to revisit and revise our understanding of natural carbon reservoirs. The researchers advocate for integrating SIC into global carbon assessments to enhance our ability to predict and mitigate climate-related impacts.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
