Response to Comment on "Fire-Derived Charcoal Causes Loss of Forest Humus"

Submitted by Erin Rasmussen on

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Wardle, David A.; Nilsson, Marie-Charlotte; Zackrisson, Olle

Source:

Science, Volume 321, Number 5894, p.1295d- (2008)

URL:

http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/321/5894/1295d

Abstract:

We find the suggestion that substantial charcoal loss occurred in the humus-charcoal mixtures implausible and discuss why complexing of soluble carbon released from the mixtures by underlying mineral soil should be minor. This exchange highlights our limited knowledge about charcoal effects on native soil carbon, indicating that strong advocacy for charcoal addition to offset CO2 emissions remains premature.