Christine Jones: the liquid carbon pathway from plants to soil
Photosynthesis captures atmospheric carbon in organic compounds. Some moves belowground to feed roots and associated organisms.
Dr Christine Jones uses “liquid carbon pathway” for the connection between photosynthesis, living roots, microbes and organic matter formation.
What liquid carbon means
It refers to soluble compounds such as sugars produced by plants and transported to roots. Some enter soil through exudates or transfer to symbionts such as mycorrhizal fungi. Jones emphasises active roots as a continuing energy source and green vegetation for as much of the year as conditions permit.
Microbes transform carbon
Organisms use exudates, respire part of their carbon and incorporate some into biomass and activity products. Microbial residues and compounds can bind to minerals, helping stabilise organic matter. The pathway involves plants, organisms and soil materials.
Plant diversity supports different pathways
A 2015 grassland experiment associated greater diversity with increased microbial activity and carbon storage. Researchers connected this with larger root inputs and microbial processing, highlighting plant diversity’s belowground functions.
Storage depends on the whole system
Exudates can contribute to new organic matter and stimulate decomposition of existing matter. The balance depends on communities, minerals and environment. Living roots offer opportunities; repeated measurements track actual soil-carbon development.
Our field work
We support cover and microbiology in olive groves following our School training. We plan to follow how living roots, compost and liquids connect with food web restoration and organic-matter changes.