Effects of gravel on grassland soil carbon and nitrogen in the arid regions of the Tibetan Plateau

Many previous studies have focused on soil gravel concentrations and their effect on crop yields in agricultural systems. The extent of carbon and nitrogen sequestration in soils under steppe systems in relation to surface gravel mulch remains largely unexplored. This study investigated the effects of gravel mulches on soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stocks in the arid and windy regions of the Tibetan Plateau. Surface gravel mulches provide a more favorable environment for soil carbon and nitrogen stocks than do non-mulched sites. Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stocks were highest (46.9 Mg ha− 1 SOC and 2.8 Mg ha− 1 TN) in the medium gravel mulch sites with ~ 40–50% gravel, and lowest (29.5 Mg ha− 1 SOC and 1.4 Mg ha− 1 TN) in no gravel mulch sites. Analysis of aggregate size fractions indicated that the vast majority of SOC was present in microaggregate fractions throughout the top 30 cm of soil. Considering the low level of soil disturbance in the study area, the carbon contained in the macroaggregate fraction might become stabilized in the soil. Gravel mulches above the soil surface have an important bearing on soil carbon sequestration as they control wind erosion, decrease soil surface evaporation and change soil physical behavior in the arid and semiarid regions.

► Surface gravel mulches provide a favorable environment for soil C and N stocks.
► Gravel mulchs have a significant effect on SOC and TN at 0–20 cm depth in the Aridisols.
► The vast majority of SOC was present in the microaggregate fractions.