Temperate grasslands represent hotspots of plant diversity and an important soil carbon (C) pool. In the past, large grassland areas have been converted to arable land, their plant diversity destroyed, and soil C was released to the atmosphere. Soil C stock and plant diversity often remain low even after the arable land has been restored back to grassland. Plants and soil mutually interact and sowing of a proper seed mixture may trigger restoration processes, which mechanisms are, however, unclear. Here, we will explore the effects of plant functional groups and respective species on C sequestration mechanisms in soils modified by former tillage and disentangle the species-specific mechanisms through which plants affect C sequestration. We will focus on the effects of root and rhizobiome exudates and plant above and belowground biomass on soil faunal and microbial communities as the main drivers of C sequestration. The project consists of field observations, a greenhouse experiment, and two laboratory experiments where C fluxes will be tracked using stable isotopes.
Thematic areas
Carbon farming Tackling pollution and restorationProject contribution to Mission Soil’s:
Specific objectives
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1. Reduce land degradation relating to desertification
Not targeted -
2. Conserve and increase soil organic carbon stocks
Partially targeted -
3. No net soil sealing and increase the reuse of urban soils
Not targeted -
4. Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration
Partially targeted -
5. Prevent erosion
Not targeted -
6. Improve soil structure to enhance habitat quality for soil biota and crops
Not targeted -
7. Reduce the EU global footprint on soils
Not targeted -
8. Increase soil literacy in society across Member States
Not targeted
Operational objectives
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1. Build capacities and the knowledge base for soil stewardship
Not targeted
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2. Co-create and upscale place-based innovations to improve soil health in all places
Not targeted
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3. Develop an integrated EU soil monitoring system and track progress towards soil health
Partially targeted
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4. Engage with the soil user community and society at large
Not targeted
Innovation hotspots
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1. Carbon farming
Targeted
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2. Soil pollution and restoration
Targeted
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3. Soil biodiversity including the microbiome
Not targeted
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4. Circular economy solutions
Not targeted
Cross-cutting dimensions
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1. Business
Not targeted
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2. Digital
Not targeted
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3. Territorial
Not targeted
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4. International
Not targeted
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