Short-term influences of C4 versus C3 plant growth on dissolved inorganic carbon in a carbonate-poor soil

Visser AN, Khatab A, Marianne L, Johanna P, Barth J (2026)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Plant and Soil Springer Verlag (Germany)

URI: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11104-025-08239-z

DOI: DOI: 10.1007/s11104-025-08239-z

Open Access Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11104-025-08239-z

Abstract

Background and aims

Soil inorganic carbon (SIC) and its dissolved fraction are recognised as dynamic components of the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle. While they contribute to CO2 dynamics and climate regulation, their short-term responses to plant-driven processes remain poorly understood. This study investigates how growth of a C₃ species (Silphium perfoliatum L.) and a C₄ species (Zea mays L.) affects dissolved inorganic and organic C (DIC/DOC) dynamics in a carbonate-poor soil under varying soil moisture conditions.

Methods

Leachates taken from a two-week lysimeter experiment were analysed for DIC and DOC concentrations, their isotope ratios (expressed as δ13C isotope), pH, and the data obtained were complemented with in situ CO2 efflux measurements. A two-endmember isotope mixing model was used to evaluate contributions of plant-derived C to the DIC pool.

Results

DIC concentrations exceeded DOC across all treatments. Increased CO₂ efflux and higher pH values indicated enhanced soil respiration. δ13CDIC values ranged from –7‰ to –20‰, while δ13CDOC remained nearly uniform at –29 ± 0.7‰. Isotope mixing considerations suggested that up to 62% of DIC could be derived from C₄ plant sources.

Conclusion

Root and rhizomicrobial respiration may measurably influence short-term DIC dynamics in carbonate-poor soils. These findings suggest that DIC fluxes could play a more prominent role in soil C cycling than currently assumed, particularly over short temporal scales.


Authors with CRIS profile

Anna-Neva Visser Lehrstuhl für Angewandte Geologie Johannes Barth Lehrstuhl für Angewandte Geologie

Involved external institutions

Universität Bayreuth DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Visser, A.-N., Khatab, A., Marianne, L., Johanna, P., & Barth, J. (2026). Short-term influences of C4 versus C3 plant growth on dissolved inorganic carbon in a carbonate-poor soil. Plant and Soil. https://doi.org/DOI: 10.1007/s11104-025-08239-z

MLA:

Visser, Anna-Neva, et al. "Short-term influences of C4 versus C3 plant growth on dissolved inorganic carbon in a carbonate-poor soil." Plant and Soil (2026).

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