UK Saltmarsh Soil Organic Matter Pools and Reactivity Index (2018-2021)

1211 down-core soil samples from UK saltmarshes quantify three organic matter pools: labile, recalcitrant, and refractory. The dataset includes a measure of organic matter reactivity using the Carbon Reactivity Index (CRI). Data collection occurred between 2018 and 2021 under the NERC Carbon Storage in Intertidal Environments (C-SIDE) programme.

Use Cases

• Model carbon sequestration potential by correlating the Carbon Reactivity Index (CRI) with the proportions of labile, recalcitrant, and refractory organic matter pools.
• Analyze spatial and depth-based distribution of labile, recalcitrant, and refractory organic matter across 1211 UK saltmarsh soil samples.
• Assess soil carbon stability using the Carbon Reactivity Index (CRI) as a key metric for intertidal carbon storage research.

Strengths

• Contains 1211 down-core soil samples, providing substantial depth-resolved data.
• Quantifies three distinct organic matter pools (labile, recalcitrant, refractory) and the Carbon Reactivity Index (CRI).
• Samples collected from multiple UK saltmarsh sites, offering geographic breadth.

Limitations

• Specific column names and data structure are unknown, complicating initial analysis.
• Sample data is unavailable, preventing preview of data format and values.

Provenance

Source

Environmental Information Data Centre, generated under the NERC Carbon Storage in Intertidal Environments (C-SIDE) programme (grant NE/R010846/1).

Collection Method

Quantification of organic matter pools and Carbon Reactivity Index (CRI) from collected soil samples.

Time Range

2018 to 2021

Freshness

Data covers samples collected between 2018 and 2021; metadata was last updated in March 2026.

Geography

Saltmarsh sites across the United Kingdom, including Scotland and Wales.