Microbial community traits and necromass dynamics shape soil carbon accumulation: evidence from a 180-year fertilisation trial

This experiment aims to explore the impact of long-term fertilisation on soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation, with a particular focus on the different mechanisms by which organic and inorganic fertilisation promote soil carbon sequestration. SOC sequestration is crucial for ensuring food security and mitigating climate change, yet its long-term response to fertilisation remains unclear. To reveal this process, we utilized the 180-year-long Broadbalk Experiment at Rothamsted (UK) as the foundation, combined with 14C isotope labeling and metagenomics techniques, to analyze the distinct mechanisms of SOC accumulation under organic (cattle manure) and inorganic fertilisation.