Divergent accumulation of particulate and mineral-associated organic carbon driven by intercropping duration in apple orchards

Key Points

• Divergent accumulation of particulate and mineral-associated organic carbon indicates significant variations based on intercropping duration.
• Particulate organic carbon increased by 25% in orchards with longer intercropping periods, enhancing soil health.
• The analysis employed soil sampling across various intercropping lengths to assess carbon storage.
• These findings suggest that adopting longer intercropping practices may support better carbon management in orchards.