Changes in carbon storage since the pre-industrial era: A national scale analysis

• N14CP model applied across the UK simulates soil and biomass C from 1700 to 2020. N deposition increased in natural land offsetting loss arable expansion. Natural improved grassland show increases whilst areas decrease. Terrestrial carbon storage has by 6.9 % Land use change is a key mechanism for sequestration. Carbon stores terrestrial biosphere globally represent over 50 of present-day organic reservoirs have significantly altered last three centuries owing anthropogenic disturbances. Conversion agricultural uses often results carbon, atmospheric pollutants such as nitrogen both biomass. underpins range ecosystem services, including climate regulation, food production, water services. This crucial sustainable management. Quantification cycling at regional national scales, understanding how human-induced drivers impacted therefore required inform policy. study applies model, an integrated soil-plant biogeochemistry carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus United Kingdom simulate changes The analysis shows that complex picture comprising gains due afforestation, losses areas. We observed overall net increase total %. note, however, continued cannot be assumed (i) reduced influence future these systems become limited other nutrients, (ii) need continue enhanced inputs maintain sequestered, (iii) declines continuing alongside diminishing types. research provides full impacts on storage, accounting changing nutrient cycles scale.