Estimation of soil organic carbon losses and counter approaches from organic materials in black soils of northeastern China

Purpose The northeast plain of China is one of three extensive regions with black soil rich in organic matter in the northern hemisphere. The replacement of natural grassland with cropland has resulted in massive loss of soil organic carbon (SOC), causing serious degradation in this region. Therefore, long-term field experiments combined with modelling approaches were used to examine and project effects of different soil management practices on SOC sequestration.