REN R 690: Kethu Ubayarathna

Management-Induced Variability in Soil Organic Carbon: Insights from the Breton Plots

Abstract

This study examines the composition of soil organic carbon (SOC) in the long-term experimental Breton Plots, under the influence of various management practices and soil depths to explore how fallow, different amendments, and forage could influence varying SOC classes in soil. Utilizing previously collected samples analyzed for total carbon content, this research employs a pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-/MS) instrumentation analysis to assess the chemical composition of SOC. The study focuses on broad organic carbon classes (carbon functional groups), including carbohydrates, aliphatics, aromatics, phenolic and nitrogen compounds. Results indicated that fallow led to a decrease in several key carbon classes, control plots without any amendments had the highest levels of nitrogen-containing carbon compounds and that inorganic fertilizer improved most types of soil organic carbon classes in shallow layers. The highest carbon levels overall were found in shallow soils treated with manure in a diverse eight-year rotation system.

Land Acknowledgement

I work and study at the University of Alberta, located on the territory of the Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations.

The Breton Plots, the site where samples were collected for this research project, is also located at above identified territories.

SPONSORSHIP

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

OTHER ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would also like to thank Jamin Achtymichuk for providing me with the samples, Jela Burkus for analyzing the samples using PyGCMS and my Supervisor Dr. Sylvie Quideau for continuous guidance and support throughout.

About Me

I am a PhD student in the Renewable Resources Department of the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Science at University of Alberta. My PhD is focused on Soil Organic Carbon dynamics in Canadian forests, investigating its storage, stability, and role in carbon sequestration. My research aims to provide insights into soil carbon cycling, contributing to climate change mitigation and sustainable land management. Previously, I completed my MSc research in Soil Environmental Chemistry, where I explored soil metal profiles to assess contamination risks and elemental interactions in different soil environments to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities on soil health. I have a strong foundation as an Analytical Chemist in the Environmental Testing Industry and am equipped with technical skills and valuable insights into environmental analysis. I have also embraced the Environmental Non-Profit Sector, making contributions to Environmental Education and Awareness, Community Engagement and Public Outreach.

For this particular project, I am analyzing a set of samples that has been previously collected and analyzed for soil organic C through microbial necromass. I will use this data set to further look at the chemical composition with regards to organic carbon by analyzing for main categories including plant and microbial biomarkers.

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