Soil carbon (C) is a critical component of Earth system models (ESMs), and its diverse representations are a major source of the large spread across models in the terrestrial C sink from the third to fifth assessment reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Improving soil C projections is of a high priority for Earth system modeling in the future IPCC and other assessments. To achieve this goal, we suggest that (1) model structures should reflect real\uffe2\uff80\uff90world processes, (2) parameters should be calibrated to match model outputs with observations, and (3) external forcing variables should accurately prescribe the environmental conditions that soils experience. First, most soil C cycle models simulate C input from litter production and C release through decomposition. The latter process has traditionally been represented by first\uffe2\uff80\uff90order decay functions, regulated primarily by temperature, moisture, litter quality, and soil texture. While this formulation well captures macroscopic soil organic C (SOC) dynamics, better understanding is needed of their underlying mechanisms as related to microbial processes, depth\uffe2\uff80\uff90dependent environmental controls, and other processes that strongly affect soil C dynamics. Second, incomplete use of observations in model parameterization is a major cause of bias in soil C projections from ESMs. Optimal parameter calibration with both pool\uffe2\uff80\uff90 and flux\uffe2\uff80\uff90based data sets through data assimilation is among the highest priorities for near\uffe2\uff80\uff90term research to reduce biases among ESMs. Third, external variables are represented inconsistently among ESMs, leading to differences in modeled soil C dynamics. We recommend the implementation of traceability analyses to identify how external variables and model parameterizations influence SOC dynamics in different ESMs. Overall, projections of the terrestrial C sink can be substantially improved when reliable data sets are available to select the most representative model structure, constrain parameters, and prescribe forcing fields.
", "keywords": ["550", "LAND MODELS", "Oceanography", "HETEROTROPHIC RESPIRATION", "01 natural sciences", "Atmospheric Sciences", "LITTER DECOMPOSITION", "ORGANIC-CARBON", "Geoinformatics", "GLOBAL CLIMATE-CHANGE", "DATA-ASSIMILATION", "Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences", "TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY", "CMIP5", "MICROBIAL MODELS", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences", "2. Zero hunger", "[SDU.OCEAN]Sciences of the Universe [physics]/Ocean", "Atmosphere", "[SDU.OCEAN] Sciences of the Universe [physics]/Ocean", " Atmosphere", "500", "Earth system models", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "[SDU.ENVI] Sciences of the Universe [physics]/Continental interfaces", " environment", "6. Clean water", "TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS", "Climate Action", "Geochemistry", "Climate change impacts and adaptation", "realistic projections", "13. Climate action", "recommendations", "Earth Sciences", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "soil carbon dynamics", "[SDU.ENVI]Sciences of the Universe [physics]/Continental interfaces", "environment", "Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation", "Environmental Sciences", "PARAMETER-ESTIMATION"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://escholarship.org/content/qt1pw7g2r2/qt1pw7g2r2.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1002/2015gb005239"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Global%20Biogeochemical%20Cycles", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1002/2015gb005239", "name": "item", "description": "10.1002/2015gb005239", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1002/2015gb005239"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2016-01-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1007/s13593-022-00864-7", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-07-25T16:15:28Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2023-02-01", "title": "Sustainable soil management measures: a synthesis of stakeholder recommendations", "description": "AbstractSoil degradation threatens agricultural production and soil multifunctionality. Efforts for private and public governance are increasingly emerging to leverage sustainable soil management. They require consensus across science, policy, and practice about what sustainable soil management entails. Such agreement does not yet exist to a sufficient extent in agronomic terms; what is lacking is a concise list of soil management measures that enjoy broad support among all stakeholders, and evidence on the question what hampers their implementation by farmers. We therefore screened stakeholder documents from public governance institutions, nongovernmental organizations, the agricultural industry, and conventional and organic farmer associations for recommendations related to agricultural soil management in Germany. Out of 46 recommended measures in total, we compiled a shortlist of the seven most consensual ones: (1) structural landscape elements, (2) organic fertilization, (3) diversified crop rotation, (4) permanent soil cover, (5) conservation tillage, (6) reduced soil loads, and (7) optimized timing of wheeling. Together, these measures support all agricultural soil functions, and address all major soil threats except soil contamination. Implementation barriers were identified with the aid of an online survey among farmers (n = 78). Results showed that a vast majority of farmers (> 80%) approved of all measures. Barriers were mostly considered to be economic and in some cases technological, while missing knowledge or other factors were less relevant. Barriers were stronger for those measures that cannot be implemented in isolation, but require a systemic diversification of the production system. This is especially the case for measures that are simultaneously beneficial to many soil functions (measures 2, 3, and 4). Results confirm the need for a diversification of the agricultural system in order to meet challenges of food security and climate change. The shortlist presents the first integrative compilation of sustainable soil management measures supporting the design of effective public or private governance.The European Commission has set targets for a reduction in nutrient losses by at least 50% and a reduction in fertiliser use by at least 20% by 2030 while ensuring no deterioration in soil fertility. Within the mandate of the European Joint Programme EJP Soil \uffe2\uff80\uff98Towards climate\uffe2\uff80\uff90smart sustainable management of agricultural soils\uffe2\uff80\uff99, the objective of this study was to assess current fertilisation practices across Europe and discuss the potential for harmonisation of fertilisation methodologies as a strategy to reduce nutrient loss and overall fertiliser use. A stocktake study of current methods of delivering fertilisation advice took place across 23 European countries. The stocktake was in the form of a questionnaire, comprising 46 questions. Information was gathered on a large range of factors, including soil analysis methods, along with soil, crop and climatic factors taken into consideration within fertilisation calculations. The questionnaire was completed by experts, who are involved in compiling fertilisation recommendations within their country. Substantial differences exist in the content, format and delivery of fertilisation guidelines across Europe. The barriers, constraints and potential benefits of a harmonised approach to fertilisation across Europe are discussed. The general consensus from all participating countries was that harmonisation of fertilisation guidelines should be increased, but it was unclear in what format this could be achieved. Shared learning in the delivery and format of fertilisation guidelines and mechanisms to adhere to environmental legislation were viewed as being beneficial. However, it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to harmonise all soil test data and fertilisation methodologies at EU level due to diverse soil types and agro\uffe2\uff80\uff90ecosystem influences. Nevertheless, increased future collaboration, especially between neighbouring countries within the same environmental zone, was seen as potentially very beneficial. This study is unique in providing current detail on fertilisation practices across European countries in a side\uffe2\uff80\uff90by\uffe2\uff80\uff90side comparison. The gathered data can provide a baseline for the development of scientifically based EU policy targets for nutrient loss and soil fertility evaluation.Soil degradation threatens agricultural production and soil multifunctionality. Efforts for private and public governance are increasingly emerging to leverage sustainable soil management. They require consensus across science, policy, and practice about what sustainable soil management entails. Such agreement does not yet exist to a sufficient extent in agronomic terms; what is lacking is a concise list of soil management measures that enjoy broad support among all stakeholders, and evidence on the question what hampers their implementation by farmers. We therefore screened stakeholder documents from public governance institutions, nongovernmental organizations, the agricultural industry, and conventional and organic farmer associations for recommendations related to agricultural soil management in Germany. Out of 46 recommended measures in total, we compiled a shortlist of the seven most consensual ones: (1) structural landscape elements, (2) organic fertilization, (3) diversified crop rotation, (4) permanent soil cover, (5) conservation tillage, (6) reduced soil loads, and (7) optimized timing of wheeling. Together, these measures support all agricultural soil functions, and address all major soil threats except soil contamination. Implementation barriers were identified with the aid of an online survey among farmers (n = 78). Results showed that a vast majority of farmers (> 80%) approved of all measures. Barriers were mostly considered to be economic and in some cases technological, while missing knowledge or other factors were less relevant. Barriers were stronger for those measures that cannot be implemented in isolation, but require a systemic diversification of the production system. This is especially the case for measures that are simultaneously beneficial to many soil functions (measures 2, 3, and 4). Results confirm the need for a diversification of the agricultural system in order to meet challenges of food security and climate change. The shortlist presents the first integrative compilation of sustainable soil management measures supporting the design of effective public or private governance.The European Commission has set targets for a reduction in nutrient losses by at least 50% and a reduction in fertiliser use by at least 20% by 2030 while ensuring no deterioration in soil fertility. Within the mandate of the European Joint Programme EJP Soil \uffe2\uff80\uff98Towards climate\uffe2\uff80\uff90smart sustainable management of agricultural soils\uffe2\uff80\uff99, the objective of this study was to assess current fertilisation practices across Europe and discuss the potential for harmonisation of fertilisation methodologies as a strategy to reduce nutrient loss and overall fertiliser use. A stocktake study of current methods of delivering fertilisation advice took place across 23 European countries. The stocktake was in the form of a questionnaire, comprising 46 questions. Information was gathered on a large range of factors, including soil analysis methods, along with soil, crop and climatic factors taken into consideration within fertilisation calculations. The questionnaire was completed by experts, who are involved in compiling fertilisation recommendations within their country. Substantial differences exist in the content, format and delivery of fertilisation guidelines across Europe. The barriers, constraints and potential benefits of a harmonised approach to fertilisation across Europe are discussed. The general consensus from all participating countries was that harmonisation of fertilisation guidelines should be increased, but it was unclear in what format this could be achieved. Shared learning in the delivery and format of fertilisation guidelines and mechanisms to adhere to environmental legislation were viewed as being beneficial. However, it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to harmonise all soil test data and fertilisation methodologies at EU level due to diverse soil types and agro\uffe2\uff80\uff90ecosystem influences. Nevertheless, increased future collaboration, especially between neighbouring countries within the same environmental zone, was seen as potentially very beneficial. This study is unique in providing current detail on fertilisation practices across European countries in a side\uffe2\uff80\uff90by\uffe2\uff80\uff90side comparison. The gathered data can provide a baseline for the development of scientifically based EU policy targets for nutrient loss and soil fertility evaluation.Constructed wetlands (CWs) have a long history of pollution control in urban but also in rural and agricultural settings. As one of the solutions to water and nutrient management issues in European agriculture, CWs were assessed in the European H2020 project WATERAGRI not just for their effectiveness but also for their role towards sustainability. In this chapter, we show different methods used to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of CWs by applying a rapid assessment, driver\uffe2\uff80\uff93pressure\uffe2\uff80\uff93state\uffe2\uff80\uff93impact\uffe2\uff80\uff93response analyses, and life-cycle thinking. We also demonstrate the need for an advanced inter- and transdisciplinary understanding of how sustainability, both as a concept and in its implications, is perceived by applying a Delphi analysis and an online questionnaire. The results show that CWs can be considered a sustainable measure for water and nutrient management in agricultural sites for their environmental benefits, which are the most highlighted by the scientific community and practitioners. However, findings also show that social benefits may indeed be the tipping point for these systems to be sustainable and that more research and insights are needed to highlight the role of social innovation. 80%) approved of all measures. Barriers were mostly considered to be economic and in some cases technological, while missing knowledge or other factors were less relevant. Barriers were stronger for those measures that cannot be implemented in isolation, but require a systemic diversification of the production system. This is especially the case for measures that are simultaneously beneficial to many soil functions (measures 2, 3, and 4). Results confirm the need for a diversification of the agricultural system in order to meet challenges of food security and climate change. The shortlist presents the first integrative compilation of sustainable soil management measures supporting the design of effective public or private governance.", "keywords": ["Diversification in agriculture", "Soil health", "ddc:640", "ddc:630", "Sustainable soil management", "ddc:580", "Soil functions", "Agriculture in transition", "Stakeholder recommendations"], "contacts": [{"organization": "Strauss, Veronika, Paul, Carsten, D\u00f6nmez, Cenk, L\u00f6bmann, Michael, Helming, Katharina,", "roles": ["creator"]}]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/234db5cc29f77296115d5719fbb6a5b6"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "234db5cc29f77296115d5719fbb6a5b6", "name": "item", "description": "234db5cc29f77296115d5719fbb6a5b6", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/234db5cc29f77296115d5719fbb6a5b6"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2023-01-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "oai:www.repo.uni-hannover.de:123456789/15581", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-07-25T16:32:32Z", "type": "Other", "title": "Sustainable soil management measures: a synthesis of stakeholder recommendations", "description": "Soil degradation threatens agricultural production and soil multifunctionality. Efforts for private and public governance are increasingly emerging to leverage sustainable soil management. They require consensus across science, policy, and practice about what sustainable soil management entails. Such agreement does not yet exist to a sufficient extent in agronomic terms; what is lacking is a concise list of soil management measures that enjoy broad support among all stakeholders, and evidence on the question what hampers their implementation by farmers. We therefore screened stakeholder documents from public governance institutions, nongovernmental organizations, the agricultural industry, and conventional and organic farmer associations for recommendations related to agricultural soil management in Germany. Out of 46 recommended measures in total, we compiled a shortlist of the seven most consensual ones: (1) structural landscape elements, (2) organic fertilization, (3) diversified crop rotation, (4) permanent soil cover, (5) conservation tillage, (6) reduced soil loads, and (7) optimized timing of wheeling. Together, these measures support all agricultural soil functions, and address all major soil threats except soil contamination. Implementation barriers were identified with the aid of an online survey among farmers (n = 78). Results showed that a vast majority of farmers (> 80%) approved of all measures. Barriers were mostly considered to be economic and in some cases technological, while missing knowledge or other factors were less relevant. Barriers were stronger for those measures that cannot be implemented in isolation, but require a systemic diversification of the production system. This is especially the case for measures that are simultaneously beneficial to many soil functions (measures 2, 3, and 4). Results confirm the need for a diversification of the agricultural system in order to meet challenges of food security and climate change. The shortlist presents the first integrative compilation of sustainable soil management measures supporting the design of effective public or private governance.", "keywords": ["Diversification in agriculture", "Soil health", "ddc:640", "ddc:630", "Sustainable soil management", "ddc:580", "Soil functions", "Agriculture in transition", "Stakeholder recommendations"], "contacts": [{"organization": "Strauss, Veronika, Paul, Carsten, D\u00f6nmez, Cenk, L\u00f6bmann, Michael, Helming, Katharina,", "roles": ["creator"]}]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/oai:www.repo.uni-hannover.de:123456789/15581"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "oai:www.repo.uni-hannover.de:123456789/15581", "name": "item", "description": "oai:www.repo.uni-hannover.de:123456789/15581", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/oai:www.repo.uni-hannover.de:123456789/15581"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2023-01-01T00:00:00Z"}}], "links": [{"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "This document as GeoJSON", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items?keywords=recommendations&f=json", "hreflang": "en-US"}, {"rel": "alternate", "type": "text/html", "title": "This document as HTML", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items?keywords=recommendations&f=html", "hreflang": "en-US"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection URL", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main", "hreflang": "en-US"}, {"type": "application/geo+json", "rel": "first", "title": "items (first)", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items?keywords=recommendations&", "hreflang": "en-US"}, {"rel": "last", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "items (last)", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items?keywords=recommendations&offset=10", "hreflang": "en-US"}], "numberMatched": 10, "numberReturned": 10, "distributedFeatures": [], "timeStamp": "2026-07-26T13:09:45.334336Z"}