Are mixed species systems fostering belowground C inputs and C sequestration?

MIXROOT-C project aims to measure in situ root carbon (C) production and to propose root traits related to soil organic C storage in topsoil and subsoil in the context of diversified agrosystems in Europe (e.g. intercropping, grasslands, and agroforestry). The project accounts for the interactions between climate, soil type, above- and belowground plant compartments, plant species and soil C. In order to provide a reliable assessment of belowground C inputs of mixed species systems across Europe and to assess the related co-benefits and trade-offs associated to an increase in root productivity, MIXROOT-C will use complementary approaches, including literature reviewing, collection of existing and new data from long-term field experiments, and process-based modelling.