Soil systems – Changes in soil fertility through time, and impact on the amount and type of soil carbon

Rising atmospheric CO₂ levels can enhance plant growth by acting as a fertilizer, increasing the production of plant-derived organic matter. However, long-term impacts on soil carbon – both in quantity and type – remain uncertain due to other soil properties that may limit plant growth.

Our research focuses on developing novel lipid biomarkers to trace mineral and nitrogen fertility in soils. We aim to identify specific lipid compounds whose distribution directly reflects these soil parameters. These biomarker tools will be applied to downcore soil profiles to reconstruct changes in soil fertility over time. By linking soil fertility to the amount and type of soil carbon, we can determine whether fertility has been a limiting factor for soil carbon storage over the past 11,000 years.

Additionally, we are testing lipid biomarkers to track microbial methane production and consumption in wetland systems, further refining our understanding of soil carbon dynamics through time.