Miscanthus carbon inputs don't induce priming

What is it about?

General consensus states that transition from tilled annual crops to no-till perennials will increase carbon inputs to the topsoil and therefore increase the amount of carbon stored in the soil. Our study shows that after 7 years, carbon that was added before the transition to a perennial was lost at almost exactly the same rate as the carbon added by the perennial, offsetting potential gains. Furthermore, old soil carbon was no more likely to be decomposed in the presence of fresh carbon inputs (i.e. no priming effect noted).

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Why is it important?

Priming is an important topic to better understand. The idea that fresh carbon inputs to soil can stimulate increased decomposition of existing soil carbon (priming) is one that has the potential to negate carbon sequestration efforts worldwide. Our studies adds to a growing body of research that indicates that priming may not be as important on longer time scales.