CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 90Bioenergy crop production and managementSoil Carbon and Nitrogen DynamicsSoil erosion and sediment transport

Soil carbon changes under M iscanthus driven by C4 accumulation and C3 decompostion – toward a default sequestration function

Open access
Poeplau, Christopher, Don, Axel·2014·GCB Bioenergy
DOI 10.1111/gcbb.12043
Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

Bioenergy has to meet increasing sustainability criteria in the EU putting conventional bioenergy crops under pressure. Alternatively, perennial bioenergy crops, such as M iscanthus, show higher greenhouse gas savings with similarly high energy yields. In addition, M iscanthus plantations may sequester additional soil organic carbon (SOC) to mitigate climate change. As the land‐use change in cropland to M iscanthus involves a C 3‐C 4 vegetation change (VC), it is possible to determine the dynamic of Miscanthus‐derived SOC (C 4 carbon) and of the old SOC (C 3 carbon) by the isotopic ratio of 13 C to 12 C. We sampled six croplands and adjacent M iscanthus plantations exceeding the age of 10 years across Europe. We found a mean C 4 carbon sequestration rate of 0.78 ± 0.19 Mg ha−1 yr−1, which increased with mean annual temperature. At three of six sites, we found a significant increase in C 3 carbon due to the application of organic fertilizers or difference in baseline SOC, which we define as non‐VC‐induced SOC changes. The R othamsted Carbon Model was used to disentangle the decomposition of old C 3 carbon and the non‐VC‐induced C 3 carbon changes. Subsequently, this method was applied to eight more sites from the literature, resulting in a climate‐dependent VC‐induced SOC sequestration rate (0.40 ± 0.20 Mg ha−1 yr−1), as a step toward a default SOC change function for M iscanthus plantations on former croplands in E urope. Furthermore, we conducted a SOC fractionation to assess qualitative SOC changes and the incorporation of C 4 carbon into the soil. Sixteen years after M iscanthus establishment, 68% of the particulate organic matter (POM) was M iscanthus‐derived in 0–10 cm depth. POM was thus the fastest cycling SOC fraction with a C 4 carbon accumulation rate of 0.33 ± 0.05 Mg ha−1 yr−1. M iscanthus‐derived SOC also entered the NaOCl‐resistant fraction, comprising 12% in 0–10 cm, which indicates that this fraction was not an inert SOC pool.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1111/gcbb.12043

Cites

44 of 44 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 45 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Miscanthus-derived SOC entered the NaOCl-resistant fraction, comprising 12% in 0-10 cm.

    “Miscanthus-derived SOC also entered the NaOCl-resistant fraction, comprising 12% in 0-10 cm, which indicates that this fraction was not an inert SOC pool.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The d13C value of the adjacent reference cropland had not changed since the establishment of Miscanthus.
    • Rests on an assumption: The reference cropland plot represents the conditions before conversion (Time 0).
  • Findingown data

    At three of six sites, there was a significant increase in C3 carbon.

    “At three of six sites, we found a significant increase in C 3 carbon due to the application of organic fertilizers or difference in baseline SOC, which we define as non-VC-induced SOC changes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The d13C value of the adjacent reference cropland had not changed since the establishment of Miscanthus.
    • Rests on an assumption: The reference cropland plot represents the conditions before conversion (Time 0).
  • Findingown data

    Applying the method to eight more sites from the literature resulted in a climate-dependent VC-induced SOC sequestration rate of 0.40 ± 0.20 Mg ha−1 yr−1, as a step toward a default SOC change function for Miscanthus plantations on former croplands in Europe.

    “Subsequently, this method was applied to eight more sites from the literature, resulting in a climate-dependent VC-induced SOC sequestration rate (0.40 Æ 0.20 Mg ha À1 yr À1 ), as a step toward a default SOC change function for Miscanthus plantations on former croplands in Europe.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: Under Miscanthus vegetation throughout the year, there is no C3 carbon input by plants or farm yard manure.
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The measured croplands in the other studies were in an equilibrium condition.
  • Findingown data

    Across six croplands and adjacent Miscanthus plantations older than 10 years in Europe, the mean C4 carbon sequestration rate was 0.78 ± 0.19 Mg ha−1 yr−1.

    “We found a mean C 4 carbon sequestration rate of 0.78 Æ 0.19 Mg ha À1 yr À1 , which increased with mean annual temperature.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The d13C value of the adjacent reference cropland had not changed since the establishment of Miscanthus.
    • Rests on an assumption: The reference cropland plot represents the conditions before conversion (Time 0).
  • Findingown data

    Sixteen years after Miscanthus establishment, 68% of the particulate organic matter (POM) was Miscanthus-derived in 0-10 cm depth.

    “Sixteen years after Miscanthus establishment, 68% of the particulate organic matter (POM) was Miscanthus-derived in 0-10 cm depth.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The d13C value of the adjacent reference cropland had not changed since the establishment of Miscanthus.
    • Rests on an assumption: The reference cropland plot represents the conditions before conversion (Time 0).
  • May combine two claims. 43
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 22

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    POM was the fastest cycling SOC fraction, with a C4 carbon accumulation rate of 0.33 ± 0.05 Mg ha−1 yr−1.

    “POM was thus the fastest cycling SOC fraction with a C 4 carbon accumulation rate of 0.33 Æ 0.05 Mg ha À1 yr À1 .”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The d13C value of the adjacent reference cropland had not changed since the establishment of Miscanthus.
    • Rests on an assumption: The reference cropland plot represents the conditions before conversion (Time 0).

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At Jyndevad, measured C3 carbon change in 0-30 cm was −5.8 Mg ha−1 and the RothC model predicted −5.5 Mg ha−1.

    “At the Jyndevad site we measured C 3 carbon changes in 0-30 cm of À5.8 Mg ha À1 and the model predicted À5.5 Mg ha À1 , at the Friemar site we measured À6.2 Mg ha À1 and the model predicted À6.8 Mg ha À1 (Table 3).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: Under Miscanthus vegetation throughout the year, there is no C3 carbon input by plants or farm yard manure.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The effect of converting croplands to Miscanthus plantations was highly significant for the topsoil (0-30 cm) and the total profile (0-80 cm) (P < 0.01), but not significant for the subsoil (P = 0.49).

    “The effect of converting croplands to Miscanthus plantations revealed to be highly significant for the topsoil (0-30 cm) and the total profile (0-80 cm) (P < 0.01), but not significant for the subsoil (P = 0.49)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The d13C value of the adjacent reference cropland had not changed since the establishment of Miscanthus.
    • Rests on an assumption: The reference cropland plot represents the conditions before conversion (Time 0).

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The distribution of Miscanthus-derived SOC within the soil profile after a mean time of 16 years followed an exponential depth gradient at the six sampled sites, with the highest sequestration (8.0 ± 4.5 Mg ha−1) occurring in 0-10 cm.

    “The distribution of Miscanthus-derived SOC within the soil profile after a mean time of 16 years followed an exponential depth gradient at the six sampled sites with the highest sequestration (8.0 Æ 4.5 Mg ha À1 ) occurring close to the surface 0-10 cm (Fig. 1).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The d13C value of the adjacent reference cropland had not changed since the establishment of Miscanthus.
    • Rests on an assumption: The reference cropland plot represents the conditions before conversion (Time 0).

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    There was a significant correlation between VC-induced SOC stock change and age of the Miscanthus plantation (R2 = 0.56), and the fit was significantly enhanced by adding MAT as explanatory variable (R2 = 0.76, EF = 0.88).

    “We found a significant correlation between VC-induced SOC stock change and age of the Miscanthus plantation (R 2 = 0.56) and the fit was significantly enhanced by adding MAT as explanatory variable (R 2 = 0.76, EF = 0.88) (Fig. 4).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The d13C value of the adjacent reference cropland had not changed since the establishment of Miscanthus.
    • Rests on an assumption: The reference cropland plot represents the conditions before conversion (Time 0).
    • The authors state this as an assumption: Under Miscanthus vegetation throughout the year, there is no C3 carbon input by plants or farm yard manure.
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The measured croplands in the other studies were in an equilibrium condition.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At Friemar, measured C3 carbon change in 0-30 cm was −6.2 Mg ha−1 and the RothC model predicted −6.8 Mg ha−1.

    “At the Jyndevad site we measured C 3 carbon changes in 0-30 cm of À5.8 Mg ha À1 and the model predicted À5.5 Mg ha À1 , at the Friemar site we measured À6.2 Mg ha À1 and the model predicted À6.8 Mg ha À1 (Table 3).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: Under Miscanthus vegetation throughout the year, there is no C3 carbon input by plants or farm yard manure.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Neither the mean absolute SOC changes in the different fractions (P = 0.1) nor the relative change in fraction size distribution (P = 0.09) was significant across the six sampled sites.

    “However, neither the mean absolute SOC changes in the different fractions (P = 0.1), nor the relative change in fraction size distribution (P = 0.09) was significant across the six sampled sites.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Under Miscanthus, the S+C-rSOC fraction of total SOC stock decreased by 1% and the rSOC fraction decreased by 4%.

    “We also found a relative decrease in SOC in the silt and clay fraction, where the S+C-rSOC fraction of the total SOC stock decreased by 1% and rSOC decreased by 4%.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Total C4 carbon sequestration at all sites ranged from 7.8 to 17.0 Mg ha−1 and was well explained by a generalized linear model with age of the Miscanthus plantation and MAT as explanatory variables (EF = 0.92).

    “The total C 4 carbon sequestration at all sites ranged from 7.8 to 17.0 Mg ha À1 and was well explained by a generalized linear model with age of the Miscanthus plantation and MAT as explanatory variables (EF = 0.92) (Fig. 2).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The d13C value of the adjacent reference cropland had not changed since the establishment of Miscanthus.
    • Rests on an assumption: The reference cropland plot represents the conditions before conversion (Time 0).

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The main sequestration (63%) occurred in 0-10 cm and decreased exponentially with depth.

    “The main sequestration (63%) occurred in 0-10 cm and it decreased exponentially with depth (Fig. 1)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    In Delfzijl there was only one manure application of ca. 3 Mg C ha−1 on the Miscanthus plantation, while the reference cropland received manure every second year during 1999-2011 (ca. 3 Mg C ha−1).

    “In Delfzijl there was only one manure application of ca. 3 Mg C ha À1 on the Miscanthus plantation, while the reference cropland received manure every second year during the Miscanthus cropping period from 1999 to 2011 (ca. 3 Mg C ha À1 ).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The Miscanthus plot at Delfzijl was situated close to the drainage channel, where the soil was wetter compared with the adjacent cropland reference.

    “In fact the Miscanthus plot was situated close to the drainage channel, where the soil was wetter as compared with the adjacent cropland reference.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    If other confounding factors at Tänikon and Weinfelden could be excluded, manure application alone would have caused a SOC sequestration rate of 0.61 Mg ha−1 yr−1 in Tänikon and 0.77 Mg ha−1 yr−1 in Weinfelden, exceeding the VC-induced SOC changes of 0.59 and 0.45 Mg ha−1 yr−1 at both sites.

    “If other confounding factors at these sites could be excluded the manure application alone would have caused a SOC sequestration rate of 0.61 Mg ha À1 yr À1 in T€ anikon and 0.77 Mg ha À1 yr À1 in Weinfelden, which exceeds the VC-induced SOC changes of 0.59 and 0.45 Mg ha À1 yr À1 at both sites.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The rSOC fraction consisted of 12% Miscanthus-derived SOC in 0-10 cm (P = 0.034), 3% in 10-20 cm (n.s), and 1.5% (n.s) in 20-30 cm.

    “We found, that the rSOC fraction consisted of 12% Miscanthus-derived SOC in 0-10 cm (P = 0.034), 3% in 10-20 cm (n.s), and 1.5% (n.s) in 20-30 cm.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The expected C3 depletion was only observed at three of six sites, while at Delfzijl, Weinfelden, and Tänikon sites there was a significantly higher C3 carbon stock under Miscanthus compared with reference cropland.

    “However, this was only observed at three of six sites, while at the Delfzijl, Weinfelden, and T€ anikon sites we found a significantly higher C 3 carbon stock under Miscanthus as compared with the reference cropland.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Conventional annual bioenergy crops such as maize and oilseed rape are known for high greenhouse gas emissions during crop production, including possible negative effects on SOC stocks.

    “These crop types are known for high greenhouse gas emissions during crop production, including possible negative effects on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks (Don et al., 2012).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Don et al., 2012

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The land-use change from cropland to Miscanthus involves a C3-C4 vegetation change, which allows the dynamics of Miscanthus-derived SOC (C4 carbon) and old SOC (C3 carbon) to be determined by the 13C/12C isotopic ratio.

    “As the land-use change in cropland to Miscanthus involves a C 3 -C 4 vegetation change (VC), it is possible to determine the dynamic of Miscanthus-derived SOC (C 4 carbon) and of the old SOC (C 3 carbon) by the isotopic ratio of 13 C to 12 C.”
    • Also stated in: § Introduction · plain
      “The isotopic signature can thus be used to follow the sequestration of Miscanthus-derived SOC and the decomposition of old SOC within the soil.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ehleringer & Cerling, 2002

      Not checked in the free run.

    • The authors state this as an assumption: The d13C value of the adjacent reference cropland had not changed since the establishment of Miscanthus.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The establishment of Miscanthus on grasslands may lead to SOC losses, and the co-benefit of SOC sequestration mainly occurs under Miscanthus on former croplands.

    “The establishment of Miscanthus on grasslands may lead to SOC losses and the cobenefit of SOC sequestration mainly occurs under Miscanthus on former croplands (Don et al., 2012).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Don et al., 2012

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Perennial crops such as switch grass, Miscanthus and short rotation coppice trees have a much lower fertilizer demand than conventional crops, reducing nitrous oxide emissions.

    “These perennial crops have a much lower fertilizer demand as compared with conventional crops, reducing the nitrous oxide emissions, and have the potential to sequester additional SOC (Anderson-Teixeira et al., 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Anderson-Teixeira et al., 2009

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Miscanthus has been shown to produce similar or even higher amounts of bioenergy as compared with first generation bioenergy crops such as maize in most regions of Europe.

    “Especially Miscanthus has been shown to produce similar or even higher amounts of bioenergy as compared with first generation bioenergy crops, such as maize, in most regions of Europe (Don et al., 2012).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Don et al., 2012

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Before isotope analysis, potential fractionation effects of the acid on SOC, removal of SOC or incomplete removal of SIC were tested, and were not present.

    “Before that we tested potential fractionation effects of the acid on SOC, removal of SOC or incomplete removal of SIC, which were not present.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The existence of inert organic matter or the possibility of isolating this 'passive' fraction have been challenged in several recent publications.

    “Especially the existence of inert organic matter or the possibility of isolating this 'passive' fraction have been challenged in several recent publications (Helfrich et al., 2006;Spohn & Giani, 2011;Poeplau & Don, 2013).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Helfrich et al., 2006

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Spohn & Giani, 2011

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Poeplau & Don, 2013

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The Miscanthus plantation had to have been established more than 10 years ago.

    “Selection criteria for the paired plots were as follows: (i) the Miscanthus plantation had to have been established more than 10 years ago”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Sample subsets were used to test a potential instrumental bias, which was not present.

    “Sample subsets were used to test a potential instrumental bias, which was not present.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The highest losses of old SOC were found at the Friemar site (−10.4 Mg ha−1), where the decomposition of old SOC exceeded the sequestration of C4 carbon, leading to an overall SOC stock depletion.

    “The highest losses of old SOC were found at the Friemar site (À10.4Mg ha À1 ) (Fig. 3b), where the decomposition of old SOC even exceeded the sequestration of C 4 carbon, leading to an overall SOC stock depletion.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    The reproducibility of the SOC fractionation was examined on five randomly selected replicate samples (R2 = 0.94).

    “The reproducibility was examined on five randomly selected replicate samples (R 2 = 0.94).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In most other studies, only the C4 carbon dynamic is explored, which is only one part of the overall SOC dynamic.

    “In most other studies, only the C 4 carbon dynamic is explored which, however, is only one part of the overall SOC dynamic (Zimmermann et al., 2011;Felten & Emmerling, 2012).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Zimmermann et al., 2011

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Felten & Emmerling, 2012

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The reference cropland and the Miscanthus plantation were directly adjacent to each other to minimize spatial heterogeneity effects.

    “(iii) the reference cropland and the Miscanthus plantation were directly adjacent to each other to minimize spatial heterogeneity effects”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The prior cropland on which the plantation is established as well as the reference cropland had never been under a C4 crop such as maize, ensuring that Miscanthus was the only source of C4 carbon.

    “(ii) the prior cropland on which the plantation is established as well as the reference cropland had never been under a C 4 crop such as maize to ensure that Miscanthus was the only source of C 4 carbon”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    At Weinfelden sampling was only possible to a depth of 50 cm due to an underlying coarse gravel layer.

    “At Weinfelden sampling was only possible to a depth of 50 cm due to an underlying coarse gravel layer.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The range of measured SOC stock changes after Miscanthus establishment differs strongly among studies and among sites within one study.

    “The range of measured SOC stock changes after Miscanthus establishment does not only differ strongly among studies but also among sites within one study.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kahle et al. (1999)

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Premisecitation

    To understand the change in SOC after land-use change, it is crucial to detect changes in different functional pools of the SOC.

    “To understand the change in SOC after LUC, it is crucial to detect changes in different functional pools of the SOC (Martin et al., 1990).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Martin et al., 1990

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Fossil C, sewage sludge, unexplained differences in initial SOC stock of the two plots, and weeds in Miscanthus plantations are potential confounding factors but none have been quantified.

    “Fossil C, sewage sludge, unexplained differences in the initial SOC stock of the two plots, and weeds in the Miscanthus plantations are given as potential confounding factors but none of these factors have been quantified (Hansen et al., 2004;Zimmermann et al., 2011;Felten & Emmerling, 2012).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Hansen et al., 2004

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Zimmermann et al., 2011

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Felten & Emmerling, 2012

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Zimmermann et al. (2007a) showed that their measured pools could be related to model pools in the Rothamsted carbon model (RothC).

    “A promising fractionation method has been published by Zimmermann et al. (2007a), who showed that their measured pools could be related to model pools in the Rothamsted carbon model (RothC), which is one of the most widely used SOC turnover models.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Zimmermann et al., 2007a

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Compactions of the soil core were assessed by the difference of the core length and the borehole depth, and a linear correction was applied a posteriori for the compacted depth increments.

    “Compactions of the soil core were assessed by the difference of the core length and the borehole depth.The strongest compactions (up to 5 cm) were found in the sandy soil of the Jyndevad site and a linear correction was applied a posteriori for the compacted depth increments, which were visually detectable at the core.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    SOC consists of different components with distinct physicochemical properties, different degrees of stabilization and turnover times ranging from years to millennia.

    “SOC consists of different components with distinct physicochemical properties, different degrees of stabilization and turnover times ranging from years to millennia (Bol et al., 2009).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bol et al., 2009

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The conversion from cropland with C3 vegetation to Miscanthus involves a shift in the abundance of 13C in plant biomass due to higher discrimination of 13C in C3 photosynthesis compared with C4 photosynthesis, resulting in a d13C difference of around 15‰.

    “This is due to a higher discrimination of 13 C in the C 3 photosynthesis (Calvin cycle) as compared with the C 4 photosynthesis (Hatch-Slack pathway) (Ehleringer & Cerling, 2002) resulting in a d 13 C difference of around 15&.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ehleringer & Cerling, 2002

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    At all sites the Miscanthus plantation was established on tilled cropland and the reference cropland was annually tilled to 20-23 cm.

    “At all sites the Miscanthus plantation was established on tilled cropland and the reference cropland was annually tilled to 20-23 cm.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The modeling could only be done for the topsoil (0-30 cm), since the carbon poor subsoils could not be fractionated and the version of RothC applied is restricted to the topsoil.

    “The modeling could only be done for the topsoil (0-30 cm), since we were not able to fractionate the carbon poor subsoils and the version of RothC applied is restricted to the topsoil.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    POM is easily decomposable and may be rapidly depleted.

    “POM is easily decomposable and maybe rapidly depleted (Zimmermann et al., 2007b).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Zimmermann et al., 2007b

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Zimmermann et al. (2007a) stated that the measured rSOC fraction corresponds to the inert fraction in the RothC model.

    “However, Zimmermann et al. (2007a) stated that the measured rSOC fraction corresponds to the inert fraction in the RothC model.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Zimmermann et al. (2007a)

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    These changes can hardly be disentangled further with the existing data set and differ strongly among sites.

    “These changes can hardly be disentangled further with the existing data set and differ strongly among sites.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The approach has been validated at three sites and was then applied to all sites where C4 carbon sequestration has been quantified.

    “This has been validated at three sites and was then applied to all sites, where C 4 carbon sequestration has been quantified.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The depth distribution pattern is in line with other studies.

    “which is in line with other studies (Hansen et al., 2004;Schneckenberger & Kuzyakov, 2007;Felten & Emmerling, 2012).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Hansen et al., 2004

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Schneckenberger & Kuzyakov, 2007

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Felten & Emmerling, 2012

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Differences in baseline SOC stocks are always a potential bias when the paired plot approach is used and are hardly quantifiable.

    “Those differences are always a potential bias when the paired plot approach is used and are hardly quantifiable (Poeplau & Don, 2013).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Poeplau & Don, 2013

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The approach enabled comparability among different sites by excluding the non-VC-induced effects on SOC and gave way to a comprehensive analysis of 14 sites.

    “However, the approach enabled comparability among different sites by excluding the non-VC-induced effects on SOC and gave way to a comprehensive analysis of 14 sites.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The huge scatter in the data can only be explained by non-VC-induced SOC stock changes, which are very site specific and should thus be excluded in a generalizing attempt.

    “The huge scatter in the data (Fig. 3b) can only be explained by non-VC-induced SOC stock changes, which are very site specific and should thus be excluded in a generalizing attempt.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning

    After a C3-C4 vegetation change there is no further input of C3 carbon from the crop vegetation, so the C3 carbon stock is supposed to deplete.

    “After a C 3 -C 4 vegetation change there is no further input of C 3 carbon from the crop vegetation, so the C 3 carbon stock is supposed to deplete.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    We cannot fully exclude a certain amount of C4 carbon in organic manure at some sites.

    “The remaining uncertainties are (i) that we cannot fully exclude a certain amount of C 4 carbon in organic manure at some sites”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    It was not possible to develop such a function with the existing data in their present state, as non-VC-induced SOC stock changes often overlaid VC-induced SOC stock changes.

    “However, this was not possible with the existing data in their present state, as non-VC-induced SOC stock changes often overlaid VC-induced SOC stock changes (Table 3).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The method used generally matches the idea of isolating different functional pools with different degree of stabilization using physical and chemical fractionation methods.

    “Therefore, these results suggest that the method used generally matches the idea of isolating different functional pools with different degree of stabilization using physical and chemical fractionation methods.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    At Trier, there have been annual applications of sewage sludge with a δ13C value of −26.3‰, which is in the range of C3 carbon input.

    “At the Trier site there have been annual applications of sewage sludge with a d 13 C value of À26.3&, which is in the range of C 3 carbon input (Felten & Emmerling, 2012).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Felten & Emmerling, 2012

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    POM is hardly protected dead plant material and is the most sensitive and fast cycling fraction among all identified fractions.

    “This confirms that POM is hardly protected dead plant material and is thus the most sensitive and fast cycling fraction among all identified fractions (Six et al., 1998;Conant et al., 2004;Poeplau & Don, 2013).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Six et al., 1998

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Conant et al., 2004

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Poeplau & Don, 2013

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    These sites cover a wide range of different climatic and pedological conditions within the temperate zone, so these data could be used to develop a temperature-dependent sequestration rate function to estimate the LUC effect on the SOC stock.

    “As these sites cover a wide range of different climatic and pedological conditions within the temperate zone, these data could be used to develop a temperature-dependent sequestration rate function to estimate the LUC effect on the SOC stock.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Although the observed trend was not statistically significant, it reduces the potential positive effect of Miscanthus SOC accumulation when the climate impact is accounted.

    “Although this observed trend was not statistically significant, it reduces the potential positive effect of Miscanthus SOC accumulation when the climate impact is accounted.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
55 of 55

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The d13C value of the adjacent reference cropland had not changed since the establishment of Miscanthus.

    “In the paired plot approach, the d 13 C value of the adjacent reference cropland was used as d 0 (À27.48 to À26.06&), assuming that it had not changed since the establishment of Miscanthus.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The reference cropland plot represents the conditions before conversion (Time 0).

    “To detect changes in SOC we used a paired plot approach, with a Miscanthus plot that was previously cropland and a reference cropland plot representing the conditions before conversion (Time 0).”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    All fractions of the carbonatic soils, excluding the POM fraction, contain carbonates.

    “All fractions of the carbonatic soils (excluding the POM fraction) were assumed to contain carbonates.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Under Miscanthus vegetation throughout the year, there is no C3 carbon input by plants or farm yard manure.

    “We then assumed a scenario of no C 3 carbon input by plants or farm yard manure under Miscanthus vegetation throughout the year to predict the C 3 carbon dynamics of the old SOC.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The measured croplands in the other studies were in an equilibrium condition.

    “For the other sites (Hornum, SE Ireland) (Hansen et al., 2004;Zimmermann et al., 2011) we obtained the starting conditions from a RothC equilibrium run, assuming that the measured croplands in these studies were in an equilibrium condition.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Only three of 22 investigated Miscanthus plantations on former croplands were older than 10 years at the time of sampling.

    “Moreover, only three of 22 investigated Miscanthus plantations on former croplands were older than 10 years at the time of sampling.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Little is known about SOC dynamics below the top 30 cm of the soil.

    “Furthermore, little is known about SOC dynamics below the top 30 cm of the soil, while there is rising evidence that LUC also affects subsoil carbon stocks (Baker et al., 2007;Wright et al., 2007;Poeplau & Don, 2013).”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A change in SOC stock is the result of either changes in C input or of changes in SOC turnover (output) or both at the same time.

    “A change in SOC stock is the result of either changes in C input or of changes in SOC turnover (output) or both at the same time.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The measured SOC stock difference in a paired plot design is the result of (i) changes in C input, (ii) changes in decomposition of the existing SOC stock and/or (iii) SOC stock differences in the two plots prior to LUC.

    “However, the measured SOC stock difference in a paired plot design is the result of (i) changes in C input, (ii) changes in decomposition of the existing SOC stock and/or (iii) SOC stock differences in the two plots prior to LUC.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    C4 carbon input or manure application has no influence on the decomposition of old C3 carbon (priming).

    “that we assume that C 4 carbon input or manure application has no influence on the decomposition of old C 3 carbon (priming)”
10 of 10

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • The lower carbon sequestration rates of herbaceous than woody crops after 11 years is a consequence of the effect of different factors such as carbon input dynamics from litter and roots.

    “The lower C sequestration rates of herbaceous than woody crops after 11 years is a consequence of the effect of different factors such as C input dynamics from litter and roots, as explained above (Lange et al., 2015; Poeplau & Don, 2014; Zatta et al., 2014; Zimmermann et al., 2013).”

    From Belowground biomass C outweighs soil organic C of perennial energy crops: Insights from a long‐term multispecies trial (2021) · cites this paper as Poeplau & Don, 2014

    The Introduction describes Miscanthus-derived carbon input and decomposition of old soil carbon, and the discussion (p. 335) links some soil carbon accumulation to Miscanthus roots. Table 1 includes an 11-year-old Miscanthus plantation. The paper does not establish that herbaceous crops sequester less carbon than woody crops after 11 years or attribute such a difference to litter and root inputs. (LLM, conf=0.81)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • A higher percentage of Cmis in the topsoil (0-10 cm) compared to deeper soil layers is in accordance with findings by Poeplau and Don (2014) and Hu et al. (2018).

    “A higher percentage of Cmis in the topsoil (0–10 cm) compared to deeper soil layers is in accordance with findings by Poeplau and Don, (2014) and Hu, Schäfer, Duplay, and Kuhn (2018).”

    From Measured and modelled effect of land‐use change from temperate grassland to <i>Miscanthus</i> on soil carbon stocks after 12 years (2019) · cites this paper as Poeplau & Don, 2014

  • The impact of land-use change on SOC generally differs with soil depth.

    “The impact of LUC on SOC generally differs with soil depth (Poeplau & Don, 2014; Rowe et al., 2016; Zang et al., 2018).”

    From Measured and modelled effect of land‐use change from temperate grassland to <i>Miscanthus</i> on soil carbon stocks after 12 years (2019) · cites this paper as Poeplau & Don, 2014

  • Previous reviews on carbon sequestration under perennial energy crops include some unrelated to soil organic carbon, some without experimental evidence, and some focused on specific geographical regions.

    “Although there have been previous reviews on C sequestration under PECs [8–11], some of these were either unrelated to SOC [12, 13], or did not report any experimental evidence [1, 14, 15], or focused on specific geographical regions [16].”

    From Carbon Sequestration by Perennial Energy Crops: Is the Jury Still Out? (2015) · cites this paper as [11]

  • Little information was available on parameters affecting soil organic carbon accumulation in slowly decomposable or recalcitrant forms.

    “Although some papers recorded specific fractions of SOC [11, 45, 46], little information was available on parameters affecting SOC accumulation in slowly decomposable or ‘recalcitrant’ forms [25, 35, 47].”

    From Carbon Sequestration by Perennial Energy Crops: Is the Jury Still Out? (2015) · cites this paper as [11]

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Trier climate values differ between tables

    Minor

    Table 1 gives Trier a mean annual temperature of 9 °C and precipitation of 707 mm, while Table 3 gives 10.5 °C and 761 mm for the same site.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. EU, 2009, Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the Promotion of the Use of Energy from Renewable Cources and Amending and Subsequently Repealing Directives 2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Poeplau, C., & Don, A.
Affiliations
Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut (DE)
Corresponding author
Don, Axel
ORCID
Venue
GCB Bioenergy
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2013-01-29
Volume
6
Issue
4
Pages
327-338
ISSN
  • 1757-1693 (ISSN-L)
  • 1757-1707
DOI
10.1111/gcbb.12043
OpenAlex
W2149371093
Semantic Scholar
04fd336e425962b0ae95b12760cac0b25faef989
Cited by
89
References
44
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 10 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 2
FWCI
18.42
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • GCB Bioenergy (publishedVersion)
  • Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Agronomy and Crop Science › Bioenergy crop production and management
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Soil Science › Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Soil Science › Soil erosion and sediment transport
Keywords
Miscanthus, soil organic carbon sequestration, vegetation change, perennial energy crops, particulate organic matter, organic fertilizer

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-10.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-10.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review