Soil Biology and Carbon Sequestration in Grasslands

This chapter describes soil conditions that support grasslands in California and discusses how land use history in California has influenced soil biology and soil organic C cycling. It begins by describing California soils that support grasslands and considers some of the soil factors that influence the potential vs. actual distribution of grasslands in the state. Then, some examples of relationships between soil organic C cycling and the composition of microbial and plant communities are described after conversions from grasslands to cultivated agriculture, and vice versa. Recent research that utilizes agricultural practices to restore native perennial grasslands from annual grasslands is also included. The chapter concludes with some implications of future land use change on grassland soils and management.