Increasing soil organic carbon with nutrient application: exploring the concept in the laboratory

Abstract

Key findings •• Organic carbon accumulation in soil did not approach an upper limit. •• Increases in organic carbon accumulation were due to accumulated microbial detritus (i.e. dead microorganisms and microbial products). •• Soil with the lowest organic carbon concentration at the start of the experiment accumulated the greatest mass of stable organic carbon. •• Nutrients applied based on humus nutrient ratios promoted organic carbon stabilisation in soil.