Data for: CASPER: A modelling framework to link mineral carbonation with turnover of organic matter in soil

Combined with adequate supply of calcium in soil solution the sequestration of C into the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate) can occur at greatly enhanced rates. Rapid formation of soil carbonates offers a potential biogenic strategy to remove and store atmospheric CO2.

We have coupled an established soil C model RothC to a simplified geochemical model so that this strategy can be simulated and assessed. The combined model CASPER partitions CO2 respired belowground into soil solution as HCO3- and simulates its reaction with Ca2+; using dissolution rates for Ca-bearing minerals. Precipitation of calcite (into soil pores) is then modelled.