A multi-model assessment of C cycling and soil C sequestration in grasslands and croplands

Agricultural activities can lead to either losses or gains of soil organic carbon (SOC) in croplands and grasslands. Increasing SOC stocks improves soil fertility and is seen as a short to mid-term solution to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Emerging ecological and societal challenges (climate change, food security, ecosystem sustainability) require improved knowledge of C pools and fluxes, and greater confidence in the biophysical models to assess C balances and implement effective policies in agriculture.