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[Display omitted] • Cerrado (Savanna biome) showed higher SOC in croplands compared to native vegetation. • Up to 38% of 1 m depth SOC stocks in the Cerrado biome are in shallow layers. • Random Forest predicted ≈65% of SOC variation for croplands and ≈56% for native vegetation. • Clay, precipitation, NPP and temperature are key predictors for SOC stocks. • The models predicted SOC variation better in deeper layers in native vegetation. Soils are the third largest carbon pool on Earth and play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. Therefore, understanding and predicting soil carbon sequestration is of major interest to mitigate climate change globally, especially in countries with strong agricultural backgrounds. In this study, we used a new database composed of 5029 samples collected up to 1-meter depth in three biomes that are most representative of agriculture, Pampas (Prairie), Cerrados (Savanna), and Atlantic Forest (Forest), to explore soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and its environmental drivers. The Cerrado (Savanna) biome was the only one where croplands presented higher SOC stocks than native vegetation (Native vegetation 121.23 Mg/ha and croplands 127.85 Mg/ha or 5 % higher). From the tested models, the Random Forest outperformed the others, achieving an R2 of 0.64 for croplands and 0.56 for native vegetation. The accuracy of the models varied with soil depth, showing better predictions in shallow layers for croplands and deeper layers for native vegetation. Our results highlight the importance of clay content, precipitation, net primary production (NPP), and temperature as key predictors for soil carbon stocks in the studied biomes. The findings emphasize the importance of protecting the surface layers, especially in the Cerrado biome, to enhance SOC stocks and promote sustainable land management practices. Moreover, the results provide valuable insights for the development of nature-based carbon markets and suggest potential strategies for climate change mitigation. Enhancing our understanding of SOC dynamics and adopting precise environmental predictors will contribute to the formulation of targeted soil management strategies and accelerate progress toward achieving climate goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A widely used hydrological model is applied at the national scale to Spain. • Hydrological ecosystem services are evaluated under a business-as-usual land abandonment scenario. • Land abandonment increases water levels in wetter regions and decreases them in drier areas. • The tool can be easily applied to other countries or basins. This research demonstrates the opportunities and challenges for decision-makers in the use of satellite data driven hydrological model such as WaterWorld to assess current hydrological ecosystem services at the national scale and evaluate the impact of land use scenarios for the future. Spain has been selected as a case study in view of the negative consequences for hydrological ecosystem services caused by land abandonment over the last few decades, which, if action is not taken soon, will make Spain the European Union country most affected by this problem in the coming years. The results show that continued land abandonment will exacerbate the already geographically polarised situation of land abandonment of agricultural areas in the north of the country due to their low economic viability, in contrast to intensification of irrigated area in the most arid regions of Spain, leading to an increase in water balances in the already wet areas and a decrease in the arid areas. However, there is much to be gained from restoration of nature in Spain. Beyond the obvious benefits for biodiversity, climate change mitigation and recreation, abandonment of current agricultural land and its return to natural cover will lead to improvements in water quality ecosystem services. This model used, which is easily replicable to other countries given the availability of a user-friendly interface and embedded global data, can help analyse hydrological ecosystem services in any other country in the world. Like all models and measurements, WaterWorld has limitations so results should be viewed critically, but can still contribute to discussions on land management for sustainability, alongside other source of information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) faces an increasing water erosion throughout the 21st century. • Effect of improved vegetation on water erosion control in the QTP is impaired under climate change. • Climate change mitigation is more essential than improving vegetation to address the QTP erosion. Water erosion is a wide ecosystem degradation threat for the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) region and surrounding areas. Climate wetting and vegetation greening in the QTP could have complex impacts on water erosion. However, there is limited information about the erosion dynamics under climate change and the effects of vegetation improvement on erosion control in this alpine region. By calibrating the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, we estimated water erosion in the QTP and simulated future changes using different Shared Socioeconomic Pathway-Representative Concentration Pathway (SSP) scenarios. We showed intensified erosion and that the benefits of vegetation improvement to erosion control was impaired under climate change. Under the SSP585 scenario, annual water erosion in the QTP was predicted to increase by 0.35 t∙ha−1∙yr−1 and be dominated by an accelerative rise of rainfall erosivity (R factor of RUSLE). Compared with historical observations, the C factor of RUSLE under the SSP585 scenario was believed to reduce by 4.35 % on average during the 2081–2100 period, but predicted soil loss will increase by more than 90 %. Although more considerable vegetation improvement could occur under high climate forcing, there may also be more intensified rainfall erosivity and water erosion across the QTP than those under SSP126 and SSP245 scenarios. Our results suggest that mitigating climate change rather than vegetation improvement is essential to address climate-dominated ecosystem degradation threats such as water erosion in the QTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We analyzed 56 Northern long-term experiments to explore manure effect on SOC. • We developed a statistical model to determine the most effective practices. • SOC saturation occurred with a certain proportion of ley depending on soil texture. • Manure is most effectively used in the crop rotations with low proportion of ley. • Management and circumstances should be considered when targeting SOC sequestration. Soil carbon sequestration has a great potential in climate change mitigation. To maximise carbon stocks in northern agricultural soils, the carbon sequestration determinants of manure application are crucial. We quantified the effect of manure on soil organic carbon (SOC) depending on the application rate, proportion of leys relative to annuals in crop rotation, and soil texture. We compared the steady-state SOC concentration under farm-yard manure application to a control treatment with no manure application based on 56 individual long-term experiments at 27 locations north of 50 degrees north latitude. At a low application rate of manure such as 0.7 Mg C/ha/y, SOC gradually increased with increasing ley proportions. At a moderate manure rate, such as 1.3 Mg C/ha/y, an increase in the ley proportion led to a decreasing growth of, or even a decrease in, SOC. At a low fixed ley proportion in crop rotation such as 20 %, SOC linearly increased with an increasing manure application rate. As the proportion of leys increased, saturation occurred at a certain ley proportion depending on soil texture. When leys occurred on sandy soils more than once out of seven years and the proportion of leys in crop rotation on clay soils was higher than 45 %, increasing the manure application rate led to decreasing SOC accrual. Compared to the absence of manure application, high manure rates even decreased SOC. We conclude that manure application in crop rotation with a low ley proportion maximises SOC accrual in the topsoil. The most effective manure application rate and ley proportion leys in regard to SOC in the northern agricultural landscape can be determined using a statistical model that we developed, depending on the management system and soil texture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fe p concentration and Fe complexing index decreased after plant invasion. • Fe-OC concentration decreased by 35.9% in average after plant invasion. • FeRB abundance significantly increased by 78.6% after plant invasion. • Plant invasion increased soil water content and decreased bulk density. • Fe-OC was positively correlated with SOC, Fe p , and Fe(III). Wetland ecosystems have dual functions as both carbon (C) sources and C sinks, playing a vital role in the world's C budget. Wetlands are prone to suffer from plant invasions, and for example, Spartina alterniflora , a well-known invasive species, has rapidly expanded in coastal areas of Asia since 1979 and altered the C cycles in coastal wetland ecosystems. Fe(III) oxides are critical in the OC storage by formation of Fe-bound organic carbon (Fe-OC). But the impact of the invasion by S. alterniflora in coastal wetlands on the formation and stabilization of Fe-OC is poorly known. Herein, we assessed soil Fe species contents, Fe-OC pool, and the microbial communities associated with these processes in seven wetlands dominated by both native ( Kandelia obovate , Avicennia marina and Phragmites australis) and invasive (S. alterniflora) plants. Our results showed that organical complexed Fe (Fe p) concentration and Fe complexing index under S. alterniflora community were lower than that under native communities. Soil Fe-OC concentration and molar OC:Fe ratio decreased (35.9% and 29.3%, respectively) after S. alterniflora invasion in coastal wetlands, while the abundance of FeRB increased by 78.6%. The invasion of S. alterniflora increased soil water content while decreased bulk density, and these changes could have important effects on Fe species and FeRB abundance. Moreover, Fe-OC was positive correlated with soil organic carbon (SOC), Fe p , and Fe(III), indicating that SOC and Fe(III) concentrations directly affect the formation of Fe-OC. FeRB reacted on the combination of Fe (hydr-) oxides and SOC to indirectly affect Fe-OC through dissimilatory Fe reduction, which further determined the stabilization and mineralization of SOC. Taken together, the invasion of S. alterniflora hindered the generation and accumulation of soil Fe-OC pool weakening the stabilization of SOC in coastal wetlands. Therefore, the conservation and restoration of mangroves and other coastal wetlands provide a promising strategy for SOC sequestration and climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The conversion of forest to pasture alters soil C and N stocks and distribution in organic matter. • Natural areas and 30-y-old pastures had higher C and N stocks in soil and mineral-associated organic matter. • The sandy texture of the soil contributed to lowering C and N contents and stocks in soil. • C-C 3 losses highest occurred in newer pastures in Dense Cerrado on Acric Petroplinthic Ferralsol. The conversion of Amazon rainforest to grasslands has significant implications for regional and global carbon cycling. The description of affected organic pools and their extent is crucial for accurate prediction of forest-to-pasture conversions. We assessed soil C and N stocks in granulometric fractions of soil organic matter (SOM), particulate organic matter (POM) and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM), following forest-to-pasture conversion in transition environments of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest and Cerrado biomes. Five study situations (SS) were selected in the Lontra River basin, Tocantins state, Brazil. The situations were established by the association between vegetation and soil classes: OFAr (Ombrophilous Forest on Orthodystric Arenosol); OFPt (Ombrophilous Forest on Petric Plinthosol); DCFr (Dense Cerrado on Acric Petroplinthic Ferralsol); DCAc (Dense Cerrado on Haplic Acrisol); and CSAr (Cerrado Sensu Stricto on Orthodystric Arenosol). In each SS, soil samples were collected in pasture areas with different planting times (between 10 and 30 years), in addition to a reference area with natural vegetation. DCFrP30 (30-y-old pasture) and DCFrNV (natural vegetation area) were statistically similar , both having the highest mean C stocks (0–20 cm: 41.5 ± 6.6 t C/ha; 0–40 cm: 64.6 ± 12.3 t C/ha; 0–60 cm: 85.0 ± 14.8 t C/ha; 0–100 cm: 102 ± 21.8 t C/ha) and N stocks (0–20 cm: 3.5 ± 0.6 t C/ha; 0–40 cm: 5.3 ± 0.9 t C/ha; 0–60 cm: 6.9 ± 1.1 t C/ha; 0–100 cm: 8.1 ± 1.5 t C/ha), especially in MAOM. The highest C-C 3 (δ13C ≈ −27‰) losses occurred in newer pastures of OFAr and CSAr and in DCFr, while C-C 4 (δ13C ≈ −14‰) gains were greater in POM and in 20-y-old pastures of OFPt and DCFr. Our results demonstrate significant change in stocks and distribution of soil C and N in SOM granulometric fractions following the conversion of forest to pasture. Moreover, the results give important insight into the development of strategies focused on the recovery and conservation of environmental quality and mitigation of climate change, particularly for the Amazon region where Cerrado-Amazon rainforest transition areas have been incorporated into agricultural land in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel salinization monitoring model based on 3-D feature space had been proposed with the overall accuracy of 93%. • The relative actions of climate change and human activities have been quantitatively distinguished from a new perspective of "' soil solute transport-vegetation response '". • The NDVI ∩ other factors were the dominant factors in the salinization process. • Human activities gradually became the dominant factor in salinization improvement or intensification area. Within the context of global change, the evolution of salinization in the Yellow River Delta has undergone dramatic changes. However, it is not clear how it responds to the combined processes of climate change and human activity（reclamation projects, changes in land-use types, and increases in fertilizer use）Based on the optimal soil salinization monitoring index model, this study retrieved the annual time series data set for salinization from 1984 to 2022 and then analyzed the spatial and temporal evolution patterns of salinization in the modern Yellow River Delta. The mechanism of the response of salinization evolution to climate change and human activities was investigated using Geodetector. The main conclusions were as follows: (1) From 1984 to 2022, the salinization intensity in the northeastern coastal zone of the Yellow River Delta showed an increasing trend, while that in the southwestern inland area showed an improving trend. (2) The high-frequency salinization zones were mainly concentrated near the mainstream and tributaries of the Yellow River, while zones with desalinization, re-salinization, and new salinization zones were mainly distributed in the main stream of the Yellow River. (3) There were obvious differences in the dominant factors in the evolution of salinization in different historical periods. In 1984, soil component factors and vegetation coverage were the dominant factors in the evolution of salinization. In 2022, vegetation coverage and land-use types had the strongest explanatory power for the salinization process. (4) The influence of natural and human activity factors on the salinization process was not independent, but a mutually reinforcing process. The interaction between NDVI and other factors has dominated the evolution of salinization in the Yellow River Delta. From 1984 to 2022, human activities were the dominant factors that promoted the improvement or intensification of salinization in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Land-use changes can alter soil carbon (C) contents, and in particular deforestation has been responsible for a large part of the cumulative human-induced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study aimed to determine the influence of land-use and land cover change on soil organic carbon (SOC) content, microbial biomass C (MBC) and microbial respiration (MR) in the Hyrcanian forests, north of Iran. We compared an agricultural field (AF), plantations of Alnus subcordata (AS), Acer velutinum (AV), Quercus castaneifolia (QC) and Cupressus sempervirens (CS), and a natural forest (NF). Soil samples were collected at three different depths (0–20, 20–40 and 40–60 cm). Results showed that different land covers significantly affected soil characteristics, and SOC increased by 25% and 1.11% after the conversion of NF to CS and AS plantations respectively, and decreased by 4%, 12.11% and 53% when NF was converted to QC, AV and AF respectively. In all treatments, MBC and MR were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the 0–20 cm depth, and MR was also correlated positively with MBC and SOC. Microbial biomass was near the half in the agriculture field than in plantations and natural forest in the upper layer, but the effects of land use on microbial biomass C decreased with soil depth. However, we observed considerable amounts microbial biomass C in 40–60 cm depth. Also, results showed that topographical feature, altitude and slope, will affect SOC content. Our results indicated that forest plantation is a key measure to enhance SOC content and mitigate global CO 2 emission, especially when soils are degraded and have low soil C content. In particular, afforestation had a crucial effect on elevating SOC content in the Hyrcanian forest, but plantations of oak (QC) and maple (AV) were less effective in terms of soil C increase. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • SOC increased after the conversion of NF to CS and AS plantations. • SOC stock of the agricultural field was about 50% lower compared to the NF. • Half of SOC content in agriculture field is concentrated in 0–20 cm of soil. • MBC decrease with depth, but there was a considerable MBC in the 40–60 cm depth. • The effects of land use on microbial biomass C decrease with depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • SOC storage and stability increased with vegetation restoration and succession. • Macroaggregates play an important role in SOC storage and stability. • Coniferous forests are more conducive to soil carbon fixation. Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays the most significant role in climate change mitigation and ecosystem productivity. However, dynamic changes in the storage and stability of SOC during vegetation restoration and succession, especially the physical protection role of soil aggregates, are not well understood. This study, therefore, explored the variations in SOC storage and stability along with vegetation restoration by combining the physical protection of soil aggregates with the chemical structural stability of organic carbon (OC). OC fractions and carbon functional groups of bulk soil and soil aggregates were investigated using soil samples collected from abandoned farmland, grassland, miscellaneous shrubland, pioneer arbor forest, and coniferous forest plots representing typical vegetation restoration consequence on the Loess Plateau of China. Vegetation restoration enhanced clumps of clay particles with visible pores and cementing substances. The contents of OC fractions (total, inert, and active carbons) in bulk soil and aggregates significantly increased during vegetation restoration process. Total and active OC in macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) were significantly higher than those in other aggregate fractions, while inert OC had no significant difference among different aggregate fractions. The elevated absorption intensity, i.e., absolute content of OC functional groups, especially stable OC functional groups, enhanced SOC chemical stability during vegetation restoration. From the abandoned farmland to miscellaneous shrubland, the relative content of active OC functional groups significantly increased and was primarily distributed in macroaggregates (84.94–86.32%), while silt–clay aggregates (<0.053 mm) had higher relative content of stable functional groups (21.84–26.53%). A significant increase was observed in the relative content of the stable functional group from miscellaneous shrubland to pioneer arbor forest, primarily in silt–clay aggregates (∼27.15%). In the coniferous forest, stable functional groups mainly distributed in macroaggregates also showed the most pronounced increase (∼36.15%). We concluded that vegetation restoration improves the soil structure and storage and stability of SOC due to the increased accumulation of OC in macroaggregates and enhanced chemical stability of OC in silt–clay aggregates from the abandoned farmland to the pioneer arbor forest. However, SOC stability in the coniferous forest is significantly influenced by macroaggregates in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • PARAFAC and GLM analysis are used for SOM stabilization determination. • Explanatory factors of SOM in rice fields differ for topsoil and subsoil layers. • In rich-SOM soils SOM is more humified whereas in low-SOM soils it is fresher. • SOM quality and quantity were determined by the former habitat. • Crop management influences quality and quantity of SOM vertical profile. Paddy farming can potentially sequester carbon. However, agricultural practices may alter the stability of the soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and thereby increase carbon mobilization in the topsoil and subsoil. We hypothesize that both agricultural practices and soil physical–chemical characteristics, mostly those related to the type of the parental soil where the paddy is established, play an important role in SOC stabilization and sequestration. To test this, we profiled the biochemical characteristics of soil organic matter (SOM) and the SOC concentrations in sediment cores of 10 rice fields from the Ebro Delta (Northeast Spain) representing former reclaimed habitats (i.e., peatlands, meadows, coastal lagoons, riverbanks and salt marshes). The effects of physical–chemical soil properties on SOM content were tested with Generalized Linear Models and the best models were selected using information-theoretic approach. The optical characteristics of SOM extracts were analyzed by UV–Visible and fluorescence spectrophotometry, and six fluorescence components were identified by Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC). Higher clay and lower sand content explained the greater SOM presence in topsoil while higher clay content and salinity prevailed as the main explanatory factors in the subsoil showing a positive correlation with SOM content. The results revealed a correlated gradient of SOM quantity and quality where in SOM-rich soils both the aromaticity and the humification degree were higher while in soils with lower SOM content it was fresher and more microbially derived. Current agricultural practices favored SOM humification in the topsoil while the variability in SOM quality in subsoil is attributed to the combination of soil physical–chemical characteristics (pH, conductivity and clay content) and the previous habitat's influence. This study represents a comprehensive empirical analysis on the carbon stocks in rice fields and the identification of soil physical–chemical factors, related to prior land uses, favoring soil carbon accumulation. These results may have major implications in decision-making process for climate change mitigation in vulnerable Mediterranean coastal paddies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C-sequestration, as a function of soils, is known to help mitigate climate change. However, the potential of urban soils to be C-sinks or sources, is widely unknown. This study aims to understand the role and significance of urban soils in the C-balance of the region. It reveals several important findings about the C-balance capacities of urban soils and the multiple factors affecting this balance. This two-year study focused on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and CO 2 emissions of urban soils in the city of Kursk, located in the Central Chernozemic region of Russia, an area known to have some of the most fertile soils in the world. SOС stocks and emissions were studied in residential, recreational, and industrial functional zones and in comparison to corresponding natural reference soils to analyze the influence of urbanization on C turnover Urban soils were found to store 20 to 50 kg С m − 2 in 1.5 m layer; 10–30% less than in corresponding natural Luvic Chernozems and Chernic Phaeozems, but greater than what has been reported for many other cities. The urban soils with developed cultural layers stored more C in subsoil compared to the natural soils. Emissions of CO 2 in urban soils, however, were higher than from Chernic Phaeozems but comparable to those from Luvic Chernozems. The CO 2 /SOC stocks ratio in urban soils was two–three times higher than in natural soils. These outcomes point to the intensive C turnover and low sustainability of SOC stocks in urban soils. This study found evidence that the recent urbanization of the Chernozemic region has adversely affected the C balance. Natural soils in the region are important C sinks, however they can convert to C sources in result of urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • SOC stocks of VCEs were estimated and projected at a 10 m spatial resolution. • Climate and soil salinity are critical for estimating SOC stocks in the VCEs. • Warming would decrease SOC stocks of VCEs by enhancing SOC decomposition. • Increasing precipitation would increase SOC stocks by reducing soil salinity. • SOC stocks of VCEs in the Bohai Rim could reduce ∼ 12 % − 19 % between 2041 and 2100. Vegetated coastal ecosystems (VCEs) have much higher organic carbon sequestration rates and storage capacities than most other earth surface ecosystems, and thus play a vital role in blue carbon sequestration for climate change mitigation. However, soil organic carbon (SOC) stock assessment in VCEs at a large regional-scale remain problematic, and the controlling mechanisms for SOC remain poorly understood. Here, we estimated current and future SOC stocks of VCEs in the Bohai Rim Region, China at a spatial resolution of 10 m, using a data-driven method based on multi-source data; and investigated the key environmental and anthropogenic controls. The total SOC stocks and SOC density of VCEs in the Bohai Rim Region were estimated to be approximately 62.7 Tg carbon and about 68.8 Mg ha−1, respectively (in the upper 1 m of soil). We found that climate and soil salinity are the most critical environmental controls of SOC stocks within VCEs in the region. Increasing temperature and soil salinity would increase SOC decomposition and decrease plant productivity, resulting in a decrease in SOC stocks. Conversely, increasing precipitation would increase SOC stocks by reducing soil salinity. We projected that the potential losses of SOC stocks due to the combined effects of climate changes, sea-level rise, and anthropogenic disturbances would be ∼ 12.2 % between 2041 and 2060 under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios (SSP245 and SSP585), extending to 19.3 % between 2081 and 2100. The decreases in SOC stocks would occur mainly in the higher latitude and colder regions. The study demonstrated the potential significant reduction in SOC stocks in coastal ecosystems and provided an important framework for better understanding the blue carbon ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tree species diversity decreased standing biomass C stock via the dominant tree biomass C stock. • Tree species diversity enhanced the C and N stocks in stand litter mainly via affecting the proportion of conifer. • Tree species diversity enhanced the soil organic C and N stocks via increasing their stable factions. • Tree species diversity can elevate the stabilities of soil organic C and N stocks in the secondary forests. Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks are important for food security and mitigation of climate change, also could be likely affected by tree diversity. However, a detailed evaluation of the relationships between tree species diversity and stand biomass C (AGC), and the C and N stocks of stand litter and soil is still scant, especially in secondary forests. Thus, we assessed the associations between tree species diversity (i.e., Shannon-Wiener index) and the AGC stock, the C and N stocks in stand litter and soil [soil organic carbon (SOC), N, microbial biomass fractions (MBC and MBN), heavy fractions (HFOC and HFON) and mineral associated factions (MAOC and MAON)] at the plot level (25 m × 25 m) in mature secondary forests in subtropical China. We also used the structural equation model (SEM) to explore the underlying mechnism by which tree diversity drives the AGC stock and the C and N stocks in stand litter and soil. We found that the tree species diversity decreased AGC stock via the dominant tree biomass C stock. However, the tree species diversity enhanced the C and N stocks in stand litter mainly via affecting conifer proportion, and the SOC and N stocks at the depth of 0–40 cm via increasing their stable factions (i.e., heavy fractions and mineral associated factions). We also observed the tree species diversity had positive effects on the stocks of MBC, HFOC and HFON in soil epipedon, and had non-significant effects on the stocks of MBN, MAOC and MAON. Our results revealed that tree species diversity can elevate the soil C and N stocks and their stability in the subtropical secondary forests of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The greening rate increased with time after cascade-dam implementation. • Temperature was the most significant driving force on vegetation growth. • Temperature and sunshine hours positively affected vegetation. • Vegetation was negatively correlated with precipitation and vapor pressure deficit. The eco-environment in ecologically fragile regions has received increasing concern due to its vulnerability to climate changes. Determination of vegetation dynamics is a prerequisite for sustainable management of eco-environment evolution due to its vital role in regulating earth system and ecosystem services. China′s Three Gorges Reservoir area (TGRA), as a typical ecologically fragile region, was selected to explore its vegetation dynamics and response to local climate in different periods (1982–2020) of GZD-TGD (Gezhou Dam-Three Gorges Dam). The 1982–2020 NDVI dataset was obtained by integrating the overlapping period (2001–2015) of GIMMS NDVI and MODIS NDVI. The results demonstrated that TGRA exhibited a generally greening trend in 1982–2020, and the greening rate increased with the implementation of GZD-TGD, particularly in the last 20 years, which greatly promotes the capacity of vegetation carbon sink. At the annual scale, the mitigation of climate warming occurred with GZD-TGD implementation, particularly after the first impoundment of TGD (−0.0114 ℃yr−1). At the seasonal scale, a certain cooling effect in summer and a warming effect in other seasons (especially in winter) induced by this cascade project were observed, which became more pronounced after the water level reached 175 m. Furthermore, temperature had the most significant positive effect on vegetation dynamics, which increased with GZD-TGD implementation. The driving force of precipitation, VPD (vapor pressure deficit) and sunshine hours was relatively less significant but could not be ignored, with negative contributions from precipitation and VPD and positive contribution from sunshine hours. These findings provide further insights into the effect of climate changes mediated by GZD-TGD on vegetation growth and facilitate the dissection of the complex soil–plant-atmosphere feedback interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of the total carbon storage of peatlands is of high relevance in the context of climate-change mitigation efforts. This determination relies on data about stratigraphy and peat properties, which are conventionally collected by coring. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) can support these point data by providing subsoil information in two-dimensional cross-sections. In this study, GPR and ERI were conducted at two groundwater-fed fen sites located in the temperate zone in north-east Germany. The fens of this region are embedded in low conductive glacial sand and are characterised by thick layers of gyttja, which can be either mineral or organic. The two study sites are representative of this region with respect to stratigraphy (total thickness, peat and gyttja types) and ecological conditions (pH-value, trophic condition). The aim of this study is to assess the suitability of GPR and ERI to detect stratigraphy and peat properties under these characteristic site conditions. Results show that GPR clearly detects the interfaces between (i) Carex and brown-moss peat, (ii) brown-moss peat and organic gyttja, (iii) organic- and mineral gyttja, and (iv) mineral gyttja and the parent material (glacial sand). These layers differ in bulk density and the related organic matter content. ERI, however, does not delineate these layers; rather it delineates regions of varying properties. At our base-rich site, pore fluid conductivity and cation exchange capacity are the main factors that determine peat electrical conductivity (reverse of resistivity), whereas organic matter and water content are most influential at the more acidic site. Thus the correlation between peat properties and electrical conductivity are driven by site-specific conditions, which are mainly determined by the solute load in the groundwater at fens. When the total organic deposits exceed a thickness of 5 m, the depth of investigation by GPR is limited due to increasing attenuation. This is not a limiting factor for ERI, where the transition from organic deposits to glacial sand is visible at both sites. Due to these specific sensitivities, a combined application of GPR and ERI meets the demand for up-to-date information on carbon storage of peatlands, which is, moreover, very site-specific because of the inherent variety of ecological conditions and stratigraphy between peatlands in general and between fens and bogs in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Litter and tree roots modify the proportion of soil aggregate fractions. • Extensive agriculture implies similar soil carbon storage than agroforestry. • Agroforestry increases the carbon associated with the small soil aggregate fractions. The land use sector currently represents ∼25% of the global greenhouse gas emissions, thus this human activity is having a huge impact on climate change. Semi-arid climate areas, which are widely distributed, are particularly influenced by such climate change. In these areas, land use changes have transformed the entire landscape and increased the greenhouse gas emissions. However, in semi-arid climate areas, the information on the effect of climate change is scarce and usually centred on one single type of land use. For the land uses (forest, agricultural and agroforestry) traditionally found in the semi-arid area in South Portugal, this study aimed to evaluate (i) the soil chemical (pH) and physical properties (bulk density and percentage of different soil aggregate fractions: 250–2000; 53–250 and <53 μm) and (ii) the carbon (C) storage in whole soil and each soil aggregate fraction in land with over 100 years of the same use. The results show that after >100 years with the same land use, C storage in the whole soil was similar in the plots with extensive agriculture based on the agroecology principles to that in the agroforestry plots. However, the concentration and storage of C in the microaggregates (53–250 μm) and the silt + clay soil fraction (<53 μm) were generally higher for the forest and agroforestry land uses than for the agricultural land use due to the tree effect. This C associated with the smallest soil fractions is very stable and is retained in the soil in the long term. In this context, agroforestry systems improve the soil C storage in the long term at the same time that agricultural production is allowed compared to the traditional forest systems. Therefore, the establishment and maintenance of agroforestry systems in the semi-arid climate areas is a sustainable land use for climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The SOC content in macroaggregates was 8–67% higher than that in other aggregates. • Hydrolase activities were positively correlated with the SOC content in aggregates. • Microbial community diversity decreased as the soil aggregate size increased. • Forty-year-old orchards primarily promoted SOC storage in macroaggregates. Soil organic carbon (SOC) is closely related to ecosystem functions and services, such as biodiversity conservation and the mitigation of climate change. Soil aggregates are among of the most important microbial hotspots and are an important material for C cycling. However, the effects of microbial properties such as enzyme activities and microbial communities on SOC across different soil aggregates remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the SOC, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) content, hydrolase enzyme activities (i.e., β-glucosidase, α-glucosidase, and sucrase), and microbial communities in different soil aggregates in 7-, 20- and 40-years orchards and newly established orchards in southern China to determine the relationships between the SOC and microbial properties. The aggregate-associated SOC, MBC contents and three enzyme activities were unevenly distributed. The average SOC and MBC contents in > 0.25 mm aggregates increased by 40% and 26%, respectively, compared with those in the other aggregates (< 0.25 mm). The β-glucosidase and α-glucosidase activities in the 0.053–0.25 mm aggregates were the lowest among different aggregates, but the sucrase activities did not differ significantly across soil aggregates of different sizes. The average SOC and MBC contents, and the three enzyme activities in the > 0.25 mm aggregates in the forty-year orchard increased by 2.53-, 1.41- and 2.09-fold, respectively, compared to those in the newly established orchard. Positive correlations with the soil aggregate size were observed for Chloroflexi, and negative correlations were found for Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria. The relative abundance of Ascomycota increased, and the relative abundance of Basidiomycota decreased with increasing orchard age. Our study demonstrated that the increased orchard age (40 years old) accelerated C cycling in soil aggregates of different sizes by increasing aggregate-associated enzyme activities and changing the microbial community composition, and greater SOC accumulation occurred in macroaggregates (> 0.25 mm) than in microaggregates (< 0.25 mm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• C storage in Mediterranean mountains shrubland areas. • Shrubland areas are important C reservoirs contributing to climate change mitigation. • Mineral soil is the largest C pool in Mediterranean mountain shrublands. • C storage in mineral soil steadily increase over time. • Mineral soil is a C sink, shrub biomass and litter layer are C sources. Farmland abandonment and reduction of grazing activity, mainly in mountain areas with remote access and ageing population, have been contributing to shrub encroachment in such territories and, consequently, to increase fuel load available for triggering wildfires. Accordingly, it is necessary to use vegetation management practices in order to reduce wildfire risk, prescribed fire being one of the most common techniques used in the Mediterranean region. This research focused in the effects of a prescribed fire (PF) applied in Montesinho Natural Park (PNM), NE Portugal, on the temporal dynamics of carbon storage in mineral soil, litter layer (organic horizon), and shrub biomass. Before PF and thirty-six months after PF, aboveground shrub biomass was collected in areas of 1 m2 in 11 plots randomly distributed in the experimental shrub area. Also, in the same plots, litter thickness was measured and soil samples were collected before, two, six and thirty-six months after PF, in order to assess carbon concentration, bulk density and coarse elements content. Despite low to moderate fire intensity, carbon storage changes were observed in all compartments evaluated. Thirty-six months after PF, carbon storage in aboveground biomass of shrub species (7.4 Mg C ha−1) was roughly two-thirds of that recorded prior to PF, and in litter layer (1.6 Mg C ha−1) it was about half of that in the original situation (before PF). In contrast, the mineral soil showed a 10% carbon increase (6.4 Mg C ha−1). Based on the balance between losses (shrub species and litter layer) and gains (mineral soil), at the end of the monitoring period (36 months), there was an annual positive rate of carbon storage, equivalent to 0.2 Mg C ha−1 year−1. Even after anthropogenic disturbances, such as prescribed fire, shrub communities constitute important terrestrial carbon pools; hence, these ecosystems might play an important role in mitigating climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Agriculture/climate relationship is one of the most important contemporary problems. • Agriculture is a significant source of GHG emissions and carbon sequestration. • Agriculture must minimize greenhouse gas emissions without reducing yields. • Integrating trees with agricultural landscapes is strategy in climate change mitigation. Agronomy has significant impacts on climate stability due to the emission of large amounts of greenhouse gases and C sequestration in soil and plants and can influence on reducing the negative impact of agronomy on climate does not need to result in a reduction in yield. Nevertheless, satisfying both goals require the implementation of new methods. The present assessment was based on over 190 scientific publications. Forecasts from the beginning of the 21st century showed that the increase in temperature and CO 2 concentration would improve the productivity of crops by extending the growing season and allow for the cultivation of new species. However, this beneficial effect may be limited by the increasing intensity of the extreme weather phenomena such as: rainstorm, droughts, early frosts, storms etc. Here, we review more recent studies which indicate, however, that this beneficial effect of climate change will not be permanent and, consequently, will significantly reduce crop yields. Climate change is forcing the agronomy sector to implement adaptive methods for minimizing possible crop losses consisting, inter alia, (i) using crop species/varieties that are less sensitive; (ii) optimizing water management; (III) improving pest, disease and weed control efficiency. The pressure on the agriculture sector to increase food production due to the increase in the human population and the present hunger in specific regions run counter to the need to reduce the adverse climate impacts of agriculture. The current state of knowledge indicates that despite the implementation of new technologies, agricultural measures will not be able to significantly reduce climate change. Indeed, these approaches will not replace the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in other sectors. However, without the participation of agronomy in reducing GHG emissions by increasing carbon sequestration, the goals of the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference in Paris will not be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Landscape-scale spatial variability of SOC in a temperate grassland was analyzed. • SOC presents strong and moderate spatial autocorrelation at two layers respectively. • Topography and land use have independent and combined influences on SOC. • Wind erosion and deposition both can alter SOC and increase its spatial variability. • The influence of wind erosion on SOC should be considered in carbon accounting. Understanding the spatial variability of soil organic carbon (SOC) and its main influencing factors is crucial for sustainable land use management and climate change mitigation. Existing studies mostly focus on the influence of environmental factors on the spatial variability of SOC, while little attention has been paid to the effects of wind erosion which has important influences in arid and semi-arid landscapes. In this study, spatial variability of SOC content at landscape scale and its main influencing factors were analysed at 0–1 cm and 1–6 cm in a typical temperate grassland. Results show that SOC content ranges from 0.45% to 4.11% and is higher at 0–1 cm. SOC presents strong and moderate spatial autocorrelation at 0–1 cm and 1–6 cm, respectively. SOC is high in part of the hilly area, and low in the west plain and southeast undulation. Elevation and vegetation coverage have significantly positive effects on SOC. SOC varies with land uses with the order that arable land (AL) < heavily grazed grassland (HG) < moderately grazed grassland (MG) < lightly grazed grassland (LG) < ungrazed grassland (UG) at 0–1 cm and AL < HG < MG < UG < LG at 1–6 cm. Under the same land use, SOC is generally the highest in the flatland at both layers and lowest in the leeward slope at 0–1 cm and the windward slope at 1–6 cm, respectively. Wind erosion and deposition can both alter SOC content and increase its spatial variability. SOC is high in areas without wind erosion and deposition and decreases with erosion and deposition rates due to the selective erosion and remote region sourced deposition materials which generally have low SOC. Such effects have important influence on land productivity, global carbon cycle and climate change, and it could not be neglected in carbon accounting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We assessed drivers of stand biomass and its increment in Tatra National Park. • Combinations of tree stands, soil and geomorphic features allows biomass estimation. • Stand age, species composition, and elevation are the most important biomass drivers. • Valley depth and elevation have the most pronounced positive impact on tree biomass increment. • Our results support increase of carbon budget modeling for mountain forests. The stands and soils of forest ecosystems are one of the most important carbon sinks in the terrestrial environment; thus, proper estimation of forest biomass increment is crucial to understand the rate of atmospheric CO 2 sequestration. Here, we propose a biomass and biomass increment estimation methodology using forest inventory data from 1991 to 2006 from the Tatra National Park (TNP), Western Carpathians, Poland. Using machine learning techniques (random forest), we showed, for the first time, that stand age, the proportion of Abies alba , Picea abies , and Pinus mugo , and elevation are the most important predictors of aboveground stand biomass. Stand biomass increment is driven by the proportion of P. mugo , A. alba , and P. abies , stand age, elevation, and valley depth. Our results showed that the primary drivers of forest biomass (stand age and species composition) could be modified by the geomorphic properties of the terrain, indicating their importance in the mitigation of negative climate change trends in forest landscapes. Additionally, we showed that the biomass increment assessment using repeated measurements differed from trends of age-based biomass models, indicating the need to consider site-specific factors (e.g., slope and aspect). The potential applicability of these results improves the accuracy of carbon budget modeling and supports decision-making in nature conservation and forest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The mean soil organic carbon (SOC) is lower in the Sundarbans than most mangroves. • Both salinity zone and forest type had a significant effect on SOC. • Irrespective of salinity zonation, the top 10 cm contained the highest SOC density. • Salinity, C:N and tree diameter were the best predictors of SOC variability. Globally, mangroves sequester a large amount of carbon into the sediments, although spatial heterogeneity exists owing to a wide variety of local, regional, and global controls. Rapid environmental and climate change, including increasing sea-level rise, global warming, reduced upstream discharge and anthropogenic activities, are predicted to increase salinity in the mangroves, especially in the Bangladesh Sundarbans, thereby disrupting this blue carbon reservoir. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how salinity affects the belowground soil carbon despite the recognised effect on above ground productivity. To address this gap, research was undertaken in the Bangladesh Sundarbans to compare total soil organic carbon (SOC) across three salinity zones and to explore any potential predictive relationships with other physical, chemical properties and vegetation characteristics. Total SOC was significantly higher in the oligohaline zone (74.8 ± 14.9 Mg ha−1), followed by the mesohaline (59.3 ± 15.8 Mg ha−1), and polyhaline zone (48.3 ± 10.3 Mg ha−1) (ANOVA, F 2, 500 = 118.9, p < 0.001). At all sites, the topmost 10 cm of soil contained higher SOC density than the bottom depths (ANOVA, F 3, 500 = 30.1, p < 0.001). On average, Bruguiera sp. stand holds the maximum SOC measured, followed by two pioneer species Sonneratia apetala and Avicennia sp. Multiple regression results indicated that soil salinity, organic C:N and tree diameter were the best predictor for the variability of the SOC in the Sundarbans (R 2 = 0.62). Despite lower carbon in the soil, the study highlights that the conservation priorities and low deforestation rate have led to less CO 2 emissions than most sediment carbon-rich mangroves in the world. The study also emphasised the importance of spatial conservation planning to safeguard the soil carbon-rich zones in the Bangladesh Sundarbans from anthropogenic tourism and development activities to support climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High sediment carbon burial in semi-enclosed mangrove habitat with high NPP. • Low carbon burial in aquaculture converted mangrove habitat. • Biological factors like litterfall and crab density act as primary controls. • Secondary controls were sediment accumulation rates and grain size. Tropical mangrove environments have high carbon sequestration potential and this ecosystem service is currently used in mitigating climate change. However, these environments are declining rapidly in developing countries, diminishing their carbon sequestration potential and may ultimately transforming them as carbon dioxide sources. This study investigated the carbon sequestration potential through sediment burial at three mangrove habitats of Cochin, South-West coast of India. High burial estimates were recorded at two mangrove stations (2.95 ± 0.79–10.41 ± 2.50 t C ha−1 yr−1), but consistent with other tropical mangrove areas. Lower burial rates were estimated at one station (0.57 ± 0.24 t C ha−1 yr−1). Eighty percent of the mangrove net primary productivity through litterfall (NPP L) was stored in the sediment at the station with the highest burial rate, which is demonstrative of a robust carbon sink. However, at a different site, which is subject to aquaculture, only 7.23 % of NPP L was buried in the sediment. A major portion of the fixed carbon at this site is presumably emitted back to the atmosphere or exported to adjacent water bodies. The median total regional mangrove carbon burial rate in this study was 2.95 t C ha−1 yr−1 and the organic carbon burial rate was 1.93 ± 0.75 t C ha−1 yr−1. Biological factors such as mangrove biomass, litterfall and crab density have played a major role in controlling the sediment carbon burial rate. Sediment texture and bulk sediment accumulation acted as secondary controlling factors. The carbon source characterisation in the sediment profile using stable isotope techniques revealed the organic carbon origin as mangrove litter. Gaining a better understanding of carbon sources, burial rates and their controlling factors in mangrove habitats aids in regional climate mitigation efforts and global efforts to increase the carbon sequestration potential of tropical mangrove systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Successful soil conservation requires a transdisciplinary approach based on EHSC. • EHSC involves participatory diagnosis, monitoring, and assessment of socioecosystems. • EHSC see living-soil central to ecosystem services delivery and urges for soil ethic. • Implementation of soil policy is crucial to guarantee long-term conservation goals. • EHSC emphasizes synergies between soil health, biodiversity and climate change. Soil degradation continues to be of the major threats for sustainable development and human well-being. Despite the advances in research, there is still a gap between research and effective conservation. To fill this gap, a change is needed in the paradigm of soil conservation research. Therefore, this paper aims to: (i) introduce the concept of Eco-Holistic- Soil Conservation (EHSC) to support the Sustainable Development Goals, (ii) present a framework for the implementation of EHSC, and (iii) show practical examples and recommendations of EHSC. The theory behind the concept of EHSC builds on a critical review of the main causes for success or failure of previous conservation projects and evaluation of latest holistic concepts and visions on conservation of soils and socio-ecosystems. The key principles underlying EHSC are: (1) perception of soils as living-systems, (2) holistic ecosystem approach, (3) central role of soil conservation for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and (4) ethical behavior in soil use. Implementation of EHSC requires a transdisciplinary approach involving a range of actions in three iterative phases: (1) diagnosis of the causes and processes of land degradation and the socio-economic context, (2) integrated assessment of the interactions and synergies between the factors and actors involved and the selection of EHSC actions, and (3) participatory evaluation and monitoring of impacts. Successful conservation requires more research on the resilience and adaptation of soils to climate change, integrated economic valuations of soil conservation, and protection of native peoples right to land in international legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Leaf C, N, P, and leaf N/P ratio were the main contributors to above-ground biomass. • Leaf N, P, and leaf N/P were the contributors to below-ground processes. • Soil properties explained 60% variation in aboveground biomass. Plant-soil interactions are a major determinant of changes in forest ecosystem processes and functioning. We conducted a trait-based study to quantify the contribution of plant traits and soil properties to above- and below-ground ecosystem properties in temperate forest in the Indian Himalayas. Nine plant traits (leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf water content, leaf dry matter content, leaf carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), leaf C/N, and leaf N/P) and eight soil properties (pH, moisture, available N, P, potassium (K), total C, N, P) were selected for determination of their contribution to major ecosystem processes (above-ground biomass C, soil organic C, soil microbial C, soil microbial N, soil microbial P, and soil respiration) in temperate forest. Among the plant traits leaf C, N, P, and leaf N/P ratio proved to be the main contributors to above-ground biomass, explaining 20–27% of variation. Leaf N, P, and leaf N/P were the main contributors to below-ground soil organic C, soil microbial C, soil microbial N, soil microbial P, and soil respiration (explaining 33% of variation). Together, the soil properties, pH, available P, total N and C explained 60% of variation in above-ground biomass, while pH and total C explained 56% of variation in soil organic C. Other soil properties (available P, total C and N) also explained much of the variation in soil microbial C (52%) and soil microbial N (67%), while soil pH explained some of variation in soil microbial N (14%). Available P, total N, and pH explained soil microbial P (81%), while soil respiration was only explained by soil total C (70%). Thus, leaf traits and soil characteristics significantly explaining variations in above- and below-ground ecosystem processes and functioning in temperate forest in the Indian Himalayas. Consequently, tree species for afforestation, restoration, and commercial forestry should be carefully selected, as they can influence the climate change mitigation potential of forest in terms of C stocks in biomass and soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• C org burial was evaluated in seagrass sediments at the northern Mexican Caribbean. • Thalassia testudinum seagrass meadows showed C org storage within ~ 40 to ~ 100 years. • C org stock increments were related with increasing sediment accumulation rates. • Seagrasses might be gradually impacted by population growth and land use changes. Carbon sequestration in seagrass meadows mitigates the currently rising CO 2 atmospheric levels, as these ecosystems are highly productive and preserve sediment organic carbon over long periods. Five 210Pb dated sediment cores, collected from seagrass meadows dominated by Thalassia testudinum in the northern Mexican Caribbean touristic corridor Cancun-Riviera Maya, were used to establish temporal trends of organic carbon (C org) content, burial rates and stock variation over the past 100 years. C org contents (0.17–1.94%) and burial rates (2.0–252 g m−2 yr−1) were generally within the lower end range reported for seagrass meadow sediments worldwide. C org stock gradually increased over the past decades, associated with increasing sediment accumulation, possibly caused by inland erosion promoted by agricultural and forestry activities and, in the recent decades, by a rapid increase of urban development due to a fast growth of the tourist industry and population, likely causing fertilization of coastal waters. Seagrass meadow sediments in the northern Mexican Caribbean coastline showed long-term C org storage and preservation, since ~ 40 to ~ 100 years depending on the core, which emphasizes the need to protect these ecosystems against impacts of global change, and their incorporation into climate change mitigation strategies should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Organic carbon burial rates and sources were assessed across Papuan mangroves. • Organic carbon burial rates ranged between 0.21 and 1.19 Mg C ha−1 yr−1. • Soil organic carbon stocks in the top 50 cm varied between 62 and 179 Mg C ha−1. • Soil organic carbon stocks are sourced from autoch- and alloch-thonous sources. Mangrove organic carbon is primarily stored in soils, which contain more than two-thirds of total mangrove ecosystem carbon stocks. Despite increasing recognition of the critical role of mangrove ecosystems for climate change mitigation, there is limited understanding of soil organic carbon sequestration mechanisms in undisturbed low-latitude mangroves, specifically on organic carbon burial rates and sources. This study assessed soil organic carbon burial rates, sources and stocks across an undisturbed coastal mudflat and mangrove hydrogeomorphological catena (fringe mangrove and interior mangrove) in Bintuni Bay, West Papua Province, Indonesia. 210Pb radionuclide sediment dating, and mixing model of natural stable isotope signatures (δ 13C and δ15N) and C/N ratio were used to estimate organic carbon burial rates and to quantify proportions of allochthonous (i.e., upland terrestrial forest) and autochthonous (i.e., on-site mangrove forest) organic carbon in the top 50 cm of the soil. Burial rates were in the range of 0.21–1.19 Mg C ha−1 yr−1. Compared to the fringe mangroves, organic carbon burial rates in interior mangroves were almost twice as high. Primary productivity of C 3 upland forest vegetation and mangroves induced soil organic carbon burial in interior mangroves and this was consistent with the formation of the largest organic carbon stocks (179 ± 82 Mg C ha−1). By contrast, organic carbon stored in the fringe mangrove (68 ± 11 Mg C ha−1) and mudflat (62 ± 10 Mg C ha−1) soils mainly originated from upland forests (allochthonous origin). These findings clearly indicate that carbon sequestered and cycling in mangrove and terrestrial forest ecosystems are closely linked, and at least a part of carbon losses (e.g., erosion) from terrestrial forests is buried in mangrove ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated assessment (IA) modelling can be an effective tool to gain insight into the dynamics of coupled earth system (land use, climate etc.) and socio-economic components. Quantifying and communicating uncertainties is a challenge of any scientific assessment, but is here magnified by the complex and boundary-crossing nature of IA models. Understanding the dynamics of coupled earth and socio-economic systems require data and methods from multiple disciplines, each with its own perspective on epistemological uncertainties (parametric and structural uncertainties), and its own protocols for assessing uncertainty. During the Paris Agreement, the lack of uncertainty analyses (UA) in IAs was risen (Rogelj et al. 2017) and calls for close collaboration of scientists coming from different fields. In this study, we review how uncertainties are tackled in a range of science disciplines that are related to global change including climate, hydrology, energy and land use, and which contribute to IA modelling. We conducted a meta-analysis to identify the contributing disciplines, and review which type of uncertainties are assessed. We then describe sources of uncertainty (e.g. parameter values, model structure), and present opportunities for improved assessment and communication of uncertainties in IA modelling. We show in our meta-analysis that parametric uncertainty is the uncertainty analysis that has been applied the most, while structural uncertainty is less commonly applied, with the exception of the energy scientific discipline. We finish our study with key recommendations to improve uncertainty analysis such as including risk analysis. By embracing uncertainties, resilient and effective solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation could be better communicated, identified and implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]