Contrasting lime and P fertilizer regimes over seven decades: effect on δ¹³C and total-C in a coarse sandy soil profile

Key Points

• This research aims to assess the long-term impact of liming and phosphorus fertilization on soil carbon dynamics as indicated by δ¹³C and total carbon content.
• Examined liming (0 to 12 Mg ha⁻¹) and P fertilization (0 and 15.6 kg P ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) effects on soil to 1 m depth.
• Analyzed vertical δ¹³C distribution across five soil layers.
• Conducted a long-term study over seven decades.
• Liming and P fertilization had minimal effects on δ¹³C and total carbon levels.
• Soil depth significantly influenced both δ¹³C distribution and soil carbon content.
• Findings suggest isotopic studies on C3-to-C4 conversion may not require corrections for lime and P effects.