Adjusting Rock-Eval® cycle is needed to avoid the need for post-hoc corrections to estimate soil organic (SOC) and inorganic (SIC) carbon. PYRO520 is a cycle with a pyrolysis ending at 520°C instead of 650°C to avoid SIC decomposition while preserving the SOC characterization during pyrolysis. This cycle corrects the misallocation of the end-of-pyrolysis signals and thus repeatably and accurately estimates SOC and SIC contents without using corrections, while preserving the SOC characterization.

Arable soils emit or absorb greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. This study compared two gas analysis techniques for determining greenhouse gas fluxes under field conditions using the closed chamber method. Fluxes were measured simultaneously using the widely applied gas chromatography (GC) and the emerging mid-infrared laser absorption spectroscopy (LAS) technique. Our results showed that LAS is a reliable alternative to GC, particularly for low flux rates.

Peatlands are complex and widespread ecosystems that store large amounts of carbon through photosynthesis. Carbon fixation depends on solar irradiance, and the relationship between them is called the photosynthesis-irradiance or “PI” curve. We developed a simple, portable chamber to measure PI curves in peatlands, taking into account complex plant assemblages and microhabitat variability. This tool may help scientists better understand carbon dynamics in these ecosystems.

This study explores how oxygen moves through tiny pores in leaves, especially when water vapor is also flowing out. We show that under common conditions, oxygen can move from the leaf to the air even when its concentration is higher outside – a surprising effect. Our findings help explain oxygen exchange in still air and support better models of plant–atmosphere interactions.

Ramped-temperature pyrolysis/oxidation (RPO) has been recently used to measure organic carbon properties in sediments, but the effects of pretreatment approaches on RPO results are unclear. We studied how acid rinsing and fumigation impact RPO analysis of organic carbon properties. Results show both methods and acid strength influence outcomes, with rinsing preserving natural states better. This research highlights the importance of method choice in accurate carbon analysis.