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Influence of No-Till on SOM, Biota, and Aggregation in Temperate and Tropical Soils
	Executive Summary In a recent review, Six et al. (2002) present a general comparison of soil organic matter stabilization mechanisms in tropical versus temperate soils.

In a recent review, Six et al. (2002) present a general comparison of soil organic matter stabilization mechanisms in tropical versus temperate soils. Differences in types of clay minerals between tropical and temperate soils were identified as one of the major factors governing differences in soil C turnover, differences in amounts of C protected by binding with silt and clay particles, and differences in the relationship between the stability of soil aggregates and soil C content of soils. The C sequestration rate under no-tillage was found to be similar (325 kg C ha-1 yr-1) in tropical and temperate soils. However, a first approximation of the total global warming potential (i.e. by including differences in methane and nitrous oxide emissions) for no-tillage revealed a great uncertainty associated with our knowledge of the emissions of the different greenhouse gases under no-tillage versus conventional tillage systems. This uncertainty prevents a definite answer on the potential to mitigate global warming with adoption of no-tillage.

Six, J, C. Feller, K. Denef, S. Ogle, J.C.M. Sa, and A. Albrecht. 2002. Soil organic matter, biota, and aggregation in temperate and tropical soils – Effect of no-tillage. Agronomie 22:755-775.

For more information, review this document. six_agronomie.pdf

Influence of No-Till on SOM, Biota, and Aggregation in Temperate and Tropical Soils