Soil Bulk Density and Matric Potential Regulate Soil CO 2 Emissions by Altering Pore Characteristics and Water Content

Weiyang Gui, Yongliang You, Feng Yang and Mingjun Zhang ()
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Weiyang Gui: Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Yongliang You: Dryland Farming Institute, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Hengshui 053000, China
Feng Yang: Guizhou Grassland Technology Experiment and Extension Station, Guiyang 550025, China
Mingjun Zhang: Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources Management Station of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550025, China

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 9, 1-12

Abstract: Soil pore structure and soil water content are critical regulators of microbial activity and associated carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions. This study evaluated the impacts of soil bulk density and matric potential on carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions through modifications of total porosity, air-filled porosity, water retention, and gas diffusivity. Soil samples were manipulated into four bulk densities (1.0, 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 Mg m −3 ) and ten matric potential levels (−1, −2, −3, −4, −5, −6, −7, −8, −9, and −10 kPa) in controlled soil cores. The results showed that lower bulk densities enhanced while higher densities suppressed CO 2 emissions. Similarly, wetter matric potentials decreased fluxes, but emission increased with drying. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that total porosity (r = 0.28), and gravimetric water content (r = 0.29) were strongly positively related to CO 2 emissions. In contrast, soil bulk density (r= −0.22) and matric potential (r= −0.30) were negatively correlated with emissions. The results highlight that compaction and excessive water content restrict microbial respiration and gas diffusion, reducing CO 2 emissions. Proper management of soil structure and water content is therefore essential to support soil ecological functions and associated ecosystem services.

Keywords: soil bulk density; matric potential; CO 2 emissions; pore characteristics; soil moisture content (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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