Management of grasslands by mowing versus grazing – impacts on soil organic matter quality and microbial functioning

摘要: Abstract Although 30% of the European surface area is covered with grasslands, little known about effect their management on soil quality and biogeochemical cycling. Here, we analysed from an experimental site in Western France, which had been under either grazing or mowing regime for 13 years. We aimed to assess two practices functioning system. To this end compared organic matter (SOM) composition microbial properties at depths. elemental, lignin non-cellulosic polysaccharide content composition, biomass, respiration enzyme activities. Our results showed higher carbon (SOC) nitrogen contents as mowing. Soil also differed between treatments. In particular, lower biomass. Despite similar both treatments, community was characterised by production per leading more degraded SOM system grazing. conclude that regimes impact differently functioning. Higher diverse input may lead enhanced substrate availability thus efficient functioning, could favour SOC sequestration through formation products.