Temperature sensitivity of soil carbon

Abstract Soils contain more than twice as much carbon as either the atmosphere or terrestrial vegetation. Soil respiration is one of the largest terrestrial fluxes in Earth's carbon-climate cycle. While soil warming frequently enhances rates of carbon efflux and respiration, the sensitivity of soil carbon stocks and soil respiration to temperature is an emerging area of research. This chapter reviews work on the importance of temperature sensitivity of soil carbon, soil respiration, soil microbes, enzymes, mycorrhiza, and plant roots. The current models on soil carbon and soil respiration are summarized in this chapter. We then recommend new research areas to further our understanding of soil carbon in response to warming across the globe.