Soil organic carbon stock change following perennialization: a meta-analysis

Abstract Perennial crops replacing annual are drawing global attention because they harbor potential for sustainable biomass production and climate change mitigation through soil carbon sequestration. At present, it remains unclear how long perennial can sequester in the stock dynamics influenced by climate, soil, plant properties across globe. This study presents a meta-analysis synthesizing 51 publications (351 observations at 77 sites) distributed over different pedo-climatic conditions to scrutinize effect of perennialization on organic accumulation compared with two benchmark systems (i.e., monoculture crop rotation). Results showed that significantly increased 16.6% 23.1% 0–30 cm depth rotation, respectively. Shortly after establishment (< 5 years), revealed negative impact stock; however, duration (> 10 years) had significant positive 30% 36.4% Compared both systems, regardless their functional photosynthetic types (C 3 , C 4 or -C intermediates) vegetation type (woody herbaceous). Among other factors, pH carbon; textures no impact, possibly due lack from each textural class mixed pedoclimatic effects. also time sigmoidal increase until about 20 years; thereafter, stocks advanced towards steady-state level. In conclusion, systems; since conversion system decisively impacted changes.