Module Mercator fellow plus funds for a workshop to the current project: Burial of organic matter for carbon sequestration: Potentials, processes and long-term effects

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Rolf Nieder
• Subject Area: Soil Sciences
• Term: from 2015 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 275361602

The major project aims are to investigate the influence of soil organic matter burial in agricultural and forestry soils on the behavior of organic carbon (C) in surface and subsoil horizons compared to reference soils. A quantitative estimate of the C stocks will be performed. Fractionation methods will allow a qualitative assessment of soil C. Numerous physical and chemical, and partly biological fractionation procedures have been developed and performed during the last few decades. The major aim is the separation of distinct, preferably homogeneous C fractions, each exhibiting different characteristics (e.g. turnover times). These methods form a basis for understanding the mechanisms and processes of soil C storage and stabilization. Carbon fractionation results are also used to generate and calibrate soil carbon models. Reproducibility of the results is an important precondition to define distinct carbon pools. Compared to the application phase 2012/13, new facts have emerged concerning the C fractionation methods that are intended to be applied and further developed in the current project. According to thorough evaluation of the most recent (2013/14) relevant literature, for single steps of these procedures, optimum solutions up to now have not been found. Prof. Benbi, has long-term experience with respect to development and application of C fractionation methods which can serve as meaningful alternatives to some of the commonly used methods. With his expertise we expect substantial progress concerning comparison of methods, characterization of soil organic matter composition, and modelling. His contribution in the frame of a Mercator Fellowship would be of great importance for the project.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr. Axel Don