Microscale Heterogeneity Explains Experimental Variability and Non-Linearity in Soil Organic Matter Mineralisation

摘要: Soil respiration represents the second largest CO2 flux from terrestrial ecosystems to atmosphere, and a small rise could significantly contribute further increase in atmospheric CO2. Unfortunately, extent of this effect cannot be quantified reliably, outcomes experiments designed study soil remain notoriously unpredictable. In context, mathematical simulations described article suggest that assumptions linearity presumed irrelevance micro-scale heterogeneity, commonly made quantitative models microbial growth subsurface environments used carbon stock models, do not appear warranted. Results indicate is non-linear and, at given average nutrient concentrations, strongly dependent on microscale distribution both nutrients microbes. These observations have far-reaching consequences, terms theory. They traditional, macroscopic measurements are inadequate predict responses, particular rising temperature conditions, an explicit account required heterogeneity. Furthermore, should evolve beyond but overly simplistic, responses bulk concentrations. The development new generation along these lines, incorporating upscaled information about processes, will undoubtedly challenging, appears key understanding which mineralization accelerate climate change.