While annual cropping systems such as maize/soy rotation perpetuate soil organic carbon (SOC) loss, perennial crops have been found to contribute to SOC increases. However, most perennial crop studies have been short-term, resulting in incomplete understanding of their long-term impacts on SOC. A new study found that planting perennial crops on land formerly used for annual maize/soy can slow or reverse soil carbon losses, with the greatest increases in soil organic carbon from species-rich prairie.
