Soil-based ecosystem services: a synthesis of nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration assessment methods
Date
2014
Authors
Ghaley, B.B.
Porter, J.R.
Sandhu, H.S.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystem Services & Management, 2014; 10(3):177-186
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Abstract
Among the soil-based ecosystem services (ES), nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration have direct influence on the biogeochemical cycles and greenhouse gas emissions affecting provision of other ES that support human existence. We reviewed methods to assess the two key ES by identifying their strengths and weaknesses and have made suggestions for using appropriate methods for better understanding of the ecosystem functions for the provision of ES. Relevant papers for the review were chosen on the basis of (i) diversity of studies on the two key ES in different ecosystems, (ii) methodologies applied and (iii) detailed descriptions of the trial locations in terms of vegetation, soil type, location and climatic information. We concluded that (i) elemental stoichiometrical ratios could be a potential approach to assess the health of ecosystems in terms of provision of the two ES discussed, (ii) stoichiometric imbalances need to be avoided between the supply and the demand of the nutrients to maintain the ES provision in terrestrial ecosystems and (iii) stoichiometric ratios can act as a management tool at a field, farm and at landscape level, to complement other compositional biodiversity and functional diversity approaches to ensure sustainable provision of ES.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Link to a related website: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/21513732.2014.926990?needAccess=true, Open Access via Unpaywall
Access Status
Rights
Copyright 2014 Taylor & Francis