Biogeochemical processes underpin ecosystem services

Authors: DUCKWORTH, O - North Carolina State University; Franzluebbers, Alan; GARDNER, T - North Carolina State University

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/8/2016
Publication Date: 4/22/2016
Citation: Duckworth, O.W., Franzluebbers, A.J., Gardner, T.G. 2016. Biogeochemical processes underpin ecosystem services. In Stromberger, M., Comerford, N., Lindbo, D. (eds) Soil Ecosystem Services. Book Chapter. doi:10.2136/2015.soilecosystemsservices.2015.0024.

Interpretive Summary: Elemental cycling is critical to the function of ecosystems and delivery of key ecosystem services because many of these elements are essential nutrients or detrimental toxicants that directly affect the health of organisms and ecosystems. A team of authors from North Carolina State University and USDA Agricultural Research Service in Raleigh, North Carolina prepared a summary of the key biogeochemical properties and processes of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, trace metals, and organic chemicals in soil. This chapter contributes to a textbook to describe the multitude of soil functions and how soil provides and regulates services to society.

Technical Abstract: Elemental cycling is critical to the function of ecosystems and delivery of key ecosystem services because many of these elements are essential nutrients or detrimental toxicants that directly affect the health of organisms and ecosystems. A team of authors from North Carolina State University and USDA Agricultural Research Service in Raleigh, North Carolina prepared a summary of the key biogeochemical properties and processes of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, trace metals, and organic chemicals in soil. This chapter contributes to a textbook to describe the multitude of soil functions and how soil provides and regulates services to society.