Pedogenesis and carbon sequestration in transformed agricultural soils of Sicily

The increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration is a consequence of human activities leading to severe environmental deteriorations. Techniques are thus needed sequester and reduce carbon. One the proposed techniques transformation or construction new soils into which more organic carbon can be sequestered consumed by increased weathering. By using chronosequence transformed on crushed limestone (0–48 years) in Mediterranean area (Sicily), we tried quantify amount that could additionally derive corresponding rates. A further aim was trace chemical weathering related consumption evolution macropores relevant for water infiltration plant nutrition. Owing irrigation table grape cultivation, developed fast. After about 48 years, C stocks were near 12 kg m?2. average org. sequestration rates varied between 68 288 g m?2 yr?1. accumulation very high at beginning tend decrease over (modelled) longer time scales. Over these substantial carbonate leached reprecipitated as secondary carbonates. proportion carbonates total inorganic up 50%. Main mineralogical changes included formation interstratified clay minerals, mica increase chloritic components well goethite. due silicate range 44–72 Due variability, contribution represents only an estimate. When summing weathering, order 110–360 yr?1 obtained. These values. We estimated maintained 50–100 years after soil transformation. macropore volume decreased observed span half (from roughly 10 5 %). may even amend their characteristics agricultural production. relatively sandy character, enough present no compaction occurred. However, great caution has taken such measures trigger deterioration both ecosystem services quality.