Fig. 5: Concept map of optimizing ley durations for continuous grasslands and crop rotations. | Communications Earth & Environment

Fig. 5: Concept map of optimizing ley durations for continuous grasslands and crop rotations.

From: Maximizing soil organic carbon stocks through optimal ploughing and renewal strategies in (Ley) grassland

Fig. 5

Carbon (C) maintained in the ecosystem is the balance between C input from plants and C output through heterotrophic respiration (Rh), which is mainly exhibited through the soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and partly through C in undecomposed residues (RC). a For continuous grasslands, adjusting the ploughing and renewal cycles of leys can maximize the benefit of SOC storage by balancing C input and Rh. b For crop rotations, adjusting the duration of leys can maximize the SOC storage without requiring long ley durations.

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