Soil CO ₂ evolution is driven by forage species, soil moisture, grazing pressure, poultry litter fertilization, and seasonality in silvopastures

Carbon cycling is a highly complex yet critical process, especially in silvopastures, which have multiple pools with the ability to store large amounts of C. However, it largely unknown how site-specific variables, including edaphic factors, vegetation type, topography, and management, affect soil CO2 flux silvopastures. Therefore, this study aimed evaluate fluxes silvopastoral system as affected by moisture (udic aquic), forage species (C4; native grass mix orchardgrass [C3; Dactylis glomerata L.]), fertilization (poultry litter control), grazing pressure (grazed ungrazed). Temperature volumetric water content (VWC) were measured simultaneous measurements during summer 2018 2019. Averaged across years, at least 20% greater (P ≤ .05) fertilized poultry than unfertilized or orchardgrass, likely owing increased microbial diversity activity rhizosphere litter-amended species. Across was 7% ungrazed areas lower areas, respectively, compared both grazed areas. dioxide correlated sampling date, temperature, VWC. Study results improve understanding C dynamics silvopasture systems may assist producers their selection nutrient sources when designing for enhanced regional sustainability.