Global soil organic carbon–climate interactions: Why scales matter

Soil organic carbon (SOC) holds the largest terrestrial stock because of soil conditions and processes that favor persistence. Vulnerable to climate change, SOC may cross a tipping point toward liberating carbon-based greenhouse gases, implying massive self-amplifying SOC- interactions. Estimates persistence are challenging as we still lack broad mechanistic insights. Upscaling details from small larger scales is driving factors not available at needed resolution. Downscaling problematic many modeling studies highest uncertainties deriving response while models themselves have difficulties in replicating contemporary properties dynamics. To bridge problems scaling, strict process orientation seems adequate. Holdridge Life Zones (HLZ) classification, one example, classification framework mesoscale provides descriptive approach facilitate identification potential hotspots coldspots SOC-climate interaction. Establishing coordinated experiments across all HLZ, but also including multiple global change drivers, has advance our understanding general principles regulating interaction Therefore, regionally tailored solutions for both urgently can lead better management ecosystem services provided. Improving “translations” relevant decision-making key good predict fate stock. This article categorized under: Integrated Assessment Climate Change > Scenario Development