Reinventing Anthrosols: an ancient answer to modern-day problems concerning climate change, soil degradation, nature conservation and agricultural yield decline?

The Plaggic Anthrosols of the Campine area are a fascinating soil type, as they contain an important stock of so-called 'old carbon'. The carbon-rich A-horizons of these soils were formed by adding heathland sods enriched with stable manure, mostly during medieval times. This practice enhanced the organic matter content, CEC and fertility of the poor and sandy soils of the Campine area. Although it has been abandoned for centuries, the thick A-horizons, high carbon stocks and better soil properties are still present today. Why this 'old carbon' is so stable remains very poorly understood. The aim of this project is to assess carbon stability in Anthrosols and to implement this knowledge for carbon-sequestration and to combat soil degradation and yield decline on sandy soils.

Keywords:Anthrosols, Carbon sequestration, Soil organic matter stability

Disciplines:Soil sciences, challenges and pollution, Agriculture, land and farm management