Soil properties and C dynamics in abandoned and cultivated farmlands in a semi-arid ecosystem

摘要

Land abandonment might be an alternative management for restoring soil conditions and C from prolonged cultivation and agricultural practices. In the present study, the influence of 18–22 years of land abandonment on soil properties, C dynamics and microbial biomass was evaluated in closely situated wheat and alfalfa farmlands, and abandoned lands on calcareous soils, Central Iran.