Crop diversification effects on soil organic carbon and nitrogen storage and stabilization is mediated by soil management practices in semiarid woody crops

Crop diversification is a promising strategy to mitigate climate change through soil carbon sequestration while ensuring fertility maintenance and food security. Here, we assess the impact of different inter-cropping practices on organic (SOC) nitrogen (N) storage stabilization under rainfed irrigated semiarid conditions. Under conditions, an almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.) monocrop was compared with inter-cropped caper (Capparis spinosa) or winter thyme (Thymus hyemalis). mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) annual crop rotation (including Hordeum vulgare, Vicia sativa faba) triennial faba, Portulaca oleracea Vigna unguiculata L.). The SOC N stocks, mineralization rates, water-stable aggregates associated OC contents were estimated at 0–10 10–30 cm depth in each system after three years. Contrasting effects found systems. combination no tillage did not affect stocks rates any system, it significantly increased within large macro-aggregates subsoil. Compared monocrop, mandarins showed significant increase 10% 18% topsoil subsoil respectively, reduced by 30% both depths. On contrary, stock 38% monocrop. Significant reductions ranging between 24% 66% also observed macro- micro-aggregates diversifications system. Our results highlight potential woody crops perennials for boosting stabilization. In monocrops, schemes that include two more leguminous reducing frequency operations seems be appropriate terms