Articles | Volume 18, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-55-2021
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-55-2021
Research article
 | 
05 Jan 2021
Research article |  | 05 Jan 2021

Deepening roots can enhance carbonate weathering by amplifying CO2-rich recharge

Hang Wen, Pamela L. Sullivan, Gwendolyn L. Macpherson, Sharon A. Billings, and Li Li

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Hydrogeology of thin limestones: The Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research Site, Northeastern Kansas G. L. Macpherson https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022- 1694(96)03029-6

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Short summary
Carbonate weathering is essential in regulating carbon cycle at the century timescale. Plant roots accelerate weathering by elevating soil CO2 via respiration. It however remains poorly understood how and how much rooting characteristics modify flow paths and weathering. This work indicates that deepening roots in woodlands can enhance carbonate weathering by promoting recharge and CO2–carbonate contact in the deep, carbonate-abundant subsurface.
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