Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2023-36
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2023-36
28 Feb 2023
 | 28 Feb 2023
Status: a revised version of this preprint was accepted for the journal BG and is expected to appear here in due course.

Can models adequately reflect how long-term nitrogen enrichment alters the forest soil carbon cycle?

Brooke A. Eastman, William R. Wieder, Melannie D. Hartman, Edward R. Brzostek, and William T. Peterjohn

Abstract. Changes in the nitrogen (N) status of forest ecosystems can directly and indirectly influence their carbon (C) sequestration potential by altering soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition, soil enzyme activity, and plant-soil interactions. However, model representation of linked C-N cycles and SOM decay are not well-validated against experimental data. Here, we use extensive data from the Fernow Experimental Forest long-term, whole-watershed N fertilization study to compare the response to N perturbations of two soil models that represent decomposition dynamics differently (first-order decay versus microbially-explicit reverse Michaelis-Menten kinetics). These two soil models were coupled to a common vegetation model which provided identical input data. Key responses to N additions measured at the study site included a shift in allocation to favor woody biomass over belowground carbon inputs, reductions in soil respiration, accumulation of particulate organic matter (POM), and an increase in soil C:N ratios. The vegetation model did not capture the often-observed shift in allocation with N additions, which resulted in poor predictions of the soil responses. We modified the plant C allocation scheme to favor wood production over fine root production with N additions, which significantly improved the vegetation and soil respiration responses. To elicit an increase in the soil C stocks and C:N ratios with N additions, as observed, we also modified the decay rates of the particulate organic matter (POM) in the soil models. With all of these modifications, only the microbially explicit model captured a positive soil C stock and C:N response in line with observations. Our results highlight the importance of accurately representing plant-soil interactions, such as rhizosphere priming, and their responses to environmental change.

Brooke A. Eastman et al.

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on bg-2023-36', Anonymous Referee #1, 21 Mar 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Brooke Eastman, 08 Jun 2023
  • RC2: 'Referee comment on “Can models adequately reflect how long-term nitrogen enrichment alters the forest soil carbon cycle?”', Anonymous Referee #2, 18 Apr 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Brooke Eastman, 08 Jun 2023
  • RC3: 'Comment on bg-2023-36', Anonymous Referee #3, 29 Apr 2023
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC3', Brooke Eastman, 08 Jun 2023

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on bg-2023-36', Anonymous Referee #1, 21 Mar 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Brooke Eastman, 08 Jun 2023
  • RC2: 'Referee comment on “Can models adequately reflect how long-term nitrogen enrichment alters the forest soil carbon cycle?”', Anonymous Referee #2, 18 Apr 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Brooke Eastman, 08 Jun 2023
  • RC3: 'Comment on bg-2023-36', Anonymous Referee #3, 29 Apr 2023
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC3', Brooke Eastman, 08 Jun 2023

Brooke A. Eastman et al.

Model code and software

wwieder/biogeochem_testbed: v2.0.0 William Wieder and Melannie Hartman https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7636495

Brooke A. Eastman et al.

Viewed

Total article views: 607 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total BibTeX EndNote
415 165 27 607 9 15
  • HTML: 415
  • PDF: 165
  • XML: 27
  • Total: 607
  • BibTeX: 9
  • EndNote: 15
Views and downloads (calculated since 28 Feb 2023)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 28 Feb 2023)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 593 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 593 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 

Cited

Latest update: 06 Nov 2023
Download
Short summary
We compared soil model performance to data from a long-term nitrogen addition experiment in a forested ecosystem. We found that in order for soil carbon models to accurately predict future forest carbon sequestration, two key processes must respond dynamically to nitrogen availability: (1) plant allocation of carbon to wood versus roots, and (2) rates of soil organic matter decomposition. Long-term experiments can help improve our predictions of the land carbon sink and its climate impact.
Altmetrics