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Managing uncertainty in soil carbon feedbacks to climate change

Author

Listed:
  • Mark A. Bradford

    (School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University
    Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW))

  • William R. Wieder

    (Climate and Global Dynamics Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research
    Institute for Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado)

  • Gordon B. Bonan

    (Climate and Global Dynamics Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research)

  • Noah Fierer

    (University of Colorado
    Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado)

  • Peter A. Raymond

    (School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University)

  • Thomas W. Crowther

    (School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University
    Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW))

Abstract

Planetary warming may be exacerbated if it accelerates loss of soil carbon to the atmosphere. This carbon-cycle–climate feedback is included in climate projections. Yet, despite ancillary data supporting a positive feedback, there is limited evidence for soil carbon loss under warming. The low confidence engendered in feedback projections is reduced further by the common representation in models of an outdated knowledge of soil carbon turnover. 'Model-knowledge integration' — representing in models an advanced understanding of soil carbon stabilization — is the first step to build confidence. This will inform experiments that further increase confidence by resolving competing mechanisms that most influence projected soil-carbon stocks. Improving feedback projections is an imperative for establishing greenhouse gas emission targets that limit climate change.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark A. Bradford & William R. Wieder & Gordon B. Bonan & Noah Fierer & Peter A. Raymond & Thomas W. Crowther, 2016. "Managing uncertainty in soil carbon feedbacks to climate change," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 6(8), pages 751-758, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:6:y:2016:i:8:d:10.1038_nclimate3071
    DOI: 10.1038/nclimate3071
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