Understanding and fostering soil carbon sequestration

In the field, sampling points were defined within a 4-ha area and based on the dominant soil series in a given group of fields and separated at least 30 m apart. Samples were collected in the spring before the start of field operations from 2011 to 2013. Each farm operator also provided detailed information on management practices leading to field preparation, nutrient management, and average yields. Samples were processed to determine SOC concentrations and stocks as well as other fractions of soil organic matter known to respond to management.