Simulating Temperature in a Soil Incubation Experiment

The study of warming impact on soils requires a realistic and accurate representation temperature. In laboratory incubation studies, widely adopted method has been to render constant temperatures in multiple chambers, via comparisons soil responses between low- high-temperature derive the changes. However, this commonly used failed imitate both magnitude amplitude actual as observed field conditions, thus potentially undermining validity such studies. With sophisticated environmental chambers becoming increasingly available, it is imperative examine alternative methods temperature control for research. This protocol will introduce state-of-the-art chamber demonstrate conventional new improve experimental design incubation. mainly comprises four steps: monitoring programming, collection, incubation, effect comparison. One example be presented different resultant contrasting scenarios; that is, referred stepwise (SW) simulated situ gradual (GW), well their effects respiration, microbial biomass, extracellular enzyme activities. addition, we present strategy diversify change scenarios meet specific climate research needs (e.g., extreme heat). recommended well-tailored diversified assist researchers establishing reliable experiments laboratory.