麻豆淫院

A recent study led by Prof. Zeng Fanjiang from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has revealed concerning trends in soil organic carbon (SOC) loss due to prolonged human disturbance in hyper-arid desert ecosystems.

Published in , the study demonstrates that human activities such as seasonal harvesting, fire, and irrigation significantly reduce SOC storage, especially in the topsoil layers (0鈥�15 cm), which are the most affected.

In this study, the researchers found that disturbances resulted in a 13.2% decrease in SOC, with particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) decreasing by 16.3% and 41.1%, respectively.

Of these disturbances, autumn harvesting and irrigation had the most severe effects, leading to SOC losses of 20鈥�21% compared to undisturbed areas. The topsoil (0鈥�15 cm) is particularly vulnerable, with carbon loss driven by reduced plant-derived inputs and disrupted microbial-mineral interactions.

In deeper soil layers (>100 cm), however, microbial-derived carbon played a more significant role in SOC dynamics, indicating the importance of deep-rooted desert vegetation in maintaining subsurface carbon stocks. Additionally, disturbances increased the ratio of POC to MAOC by 46.2%, signaling a shift toward less stable carbon pools.

Changes in microbial communities, including a decline in fungi and an increase in bacteria, further contributed to carbon destabilization.

"Our findings reveal that even seemingly sustainable practices, like seasonal harvesting, can drive hyper-arid deserts toward irreversible carbon depletion. Protecting these ecosystems requires a balance between local livelihoods and long-term carbon conservation strategies," said Dr. Akash Tariq, corresponding author of the study.

This study highlights the delicate balance between human activities and ecosystem health in arid regions, emphasizing the pressing need for sustainable land management practices to mitigate carbon loss.