ERAMMP Report 21: Revisiting Trends in Topsoil Carbon.
Read the full reportThe report reveals significant declines in topsoil carbon (SOC) between 2007 and 2016, particularly in upland habitats, with factors such as elevation, shrub cover, and climatic moisture playing crucial roles. Declines were linked to reductions in dwarf shrub cover, while the presence of Sphagnum moss and higher shrub cover positively impacted SOC levels. The findings highlight the need for further research, including the use of satellite data to confirm vegetation changes and exploring the relationships between specific plant species and topsoil carbon. The upcoming ERAMMP survey is expected to provide more robust insights into these trends.
The report carries out new analysis to explore the reported loss of topsoil-C between 2007 and 2016. Significant declines in topsoil carbon (SOC) between, particularly in upland habitats, with factors such as elevation, shrub cover, and climatic moisture influencing these trends.
Declines in soil carbon were associated with reductions in dwarf shrub cover (e.g., heather), while higher shrub cover and Sphagnum moss presence positively influenced soil carbon levels.
Key drivers of soil carbon trends included climatic moisture, underlying deep peat, and elevation, with complex interactions between these variables affecting SOC dynamics.
Recommendations for policy implementation
1. Emphasise the protection and restoration of upland habitats, particularly those with high shrub cover and Sphagnum moss, to maintain and enhance soil carbon stocks.
2. Implement comprehensive monitoring programs to track changes in vegetation cover, soil moisture, and other critical environmental variables influencing soil carbon.
3. Promote sustainable land management practices that enhance soil health and carbon sequestration, such as maintaining shrub cover and managing peatlands effectively.
Further work is needed to:
- Confirm recent vegetation change in upland habitats using independent data e.g. satellite data;
- Explore relationships between specific plant species and topsoil carbon in Countryside Survey where we have a high number of true repeat samples;
- This work highlights the importance of the findings of the next ERAMMP survey, which will be more powerful than the combined CS-GMEP approach reported here.