Chapter Seven - Impact of soil erosion on soil organic carbon loss and its implications for carbon neutrality

Soil erosion significantly affects soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics, impacting carbon neutrality and climate change mitigation. Accelerated erosion depletes SOC, leading to increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly CO2 and CH4, thereby undermining efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality. Despite its importance, the relationship between soil erosion, SOC loss, and carbon neutrality is not yet fully understood. This study evaluates the effects of soil erosion on SOC loss and its implications for carbon neutrality through a combination of modeling and field observation. Analyses of SOC stocks, carbon saturation, carbon sequestration potential, and erosion rates were conducted to assess how erosion-induced SOC loss influences GHG (CO2, CH4, and N2O) emissions. Global SOC loss from erosion is estimated at 0.9–1.31 Pg C/year, with potential increases under climate scenarios (RCP (Representative Concentration Pathways) 2.6 and RCP 8.5). The study emphasizes integrating models like the Erosion-Deposition Carbon Model (EDCM) with carbon sequestration dynamics for accurate carbon budgeting. In steep sloping alpine agricultural regions, annual SOC losses ranged from 11.8 % to 16.5 %, with particulate organic matter (POM) being more vulnerable to erosion than mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM). Erosion resulted in SOC redistribution, increasing CO2 and CH4 emissions, particularly in depositional zones, exacerbating the negative impact on carbon neutrality. Current IPCC methodologies do not adequately account for SOC losses from erosion, leading to incomplete GHG assessments. Soil erosion scenarios show increased CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions while reducing carbon sequestration potential. These findings highlight the need for targeted soil management strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of erosion on SOC and to enhance carbon sequestration, contributing to global carbon neutrality goals.

YOON Jung-Hwan;  SOON JUNG Seok;  SOO KIM Hyuck;  PARK Youngyun;  KIM Heejung;  MISHRA Umakant;  GAUTAM Sagar;  ALEWELL Christine;  PANAGOS Panos;  KIRKHAM Mary Beth;  BORRELLI Pasquale;  YANG Jae E.; 

2025-04-30

ELSEVIER INC.

JRC139714

0065-2113 (online),   

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0065211325000203,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC139714,   

10.1016/bs.agron.2025.01.005 (online),