Carbon inputs from roots – Ivanah Oliver

Ivanah Oliver working on soil research in the fieldTitle: Rooting impacts: the role of root distribution and inputs on soil organic carbon.

Project Description

With soil carbon gaining much interest in the last couple of decades, particularly as a potential sink for carbon sequestration, it is vital that we know how much carbon is contributed from various sources and the stability of each source. While the above ground biomass contribution has been widely researched, the below-ground contribution, particularly roots and root inputs, has not been sufficiently investigated.

To make better informed decisions about soil health, carbon capture and storage, and soil productivity it is essential to soil carbon science that we account for and better understand the important role roots play in the soil carbon cycle. This research aims to investigate the distribution and components of root contributed soil organic carbon in a pastoral agriculture system.

Approach

Using glasshouse based experiments and Isotopic Mass-Spectrometry analysis (IRMS), the carbon input and distribution from Chloris gayana roots will be investigated through multiple inter-related experiments which aim to:

  • Develop correlations between quantity of roots and carbon input
  • Access seasonal stability of root carbon inputs.
  • Demonstrate spatial distribution of roots across seasons in same soil matrix; and
  • Determine the spatial distribution of carbon containing root exudates in the rhizosphere.

Outcome

The information generated will contribute to understanding the whole carbon cycle and the importance of below-ground biomass to the soil organic carbon pool.

Users

Researchers, Policy makers, Land managers.