Processes involving soil CO_(2)dynamic in a sector of Chaco-Pampean plain,Argentina:An isotope geochemical approachOAEI

The magnitude and spatial variability of CO_(2)surface emissions and processes involving CO_(2)released to the atmosphere from the soils are relevant issues in the context of climate change.This work evaluated CO_(2)fluxes and^(13)C/^(12)C ratio of vegetation,organic matter,and soil gases from no disturbed soils of Chaco Pampean Plain(Argentina)with different soil properties and environmental conditions(PL and PA units).Soil organic decomposition from individual layers was accompanied byδ^(13)C of total organic carbon(δ^(13)C-TOC)values more enriched to depth.δ^(13)C-TOC values in the upper soil profile~ca.0–15 cm were like the plant community of this area(~−33 to−29‰)whileδ^(13)CTOC varied stronger bellow horizon A,till~−24‰.Bothδ^(13)C-TOC and soilδ^(13)C-CO_(2)were similar(~−24 to 26‰)at deeper horizons(~50–60 cm).Toward the superficial layers,δ^(13)C-TOC andδ^(13)C-CO_(2)showed more differences(till~4‰),due influence of the diffusion process.Horizon A layer(~0–20 cm)from both PL and PA units contained the most enrichedδ^(13)C-CO_(2)values(~−15–17‰)because atmospheric CO_(2)permeated the soil air.A simple two-component mixing model between sources(atmosphericδ^(13)C-CO_(2)and soil CO_(2))confirmed that process.Isotopically,CO_(2)fluxes reflected the biodegradation of C3 plants(source),diffusive transport,and CO_(2)exchange(atmosphere/soil).Soil moisture content appeared as a determining factor in the diffusion process and the magnitude of CO_(2)surface emissions(12–60 g·m^(−2)·d^(−1)).That condition was confirmed by CO_(2)diffusion coefficients estimated by air-filled porosity parameters and soil radon gradient model.