Relationship between C:N/C:O stoichiometry and ecosystem services in managed production systems

Abstract

Land use and management intensity can influence provision of ecosystem services (ES). We argue that forest/agroforestry production systems are characterized by relatively higher C:O/C:N and ES value compared to arable production systems. Field investigations on C:N/C:O and 15 ES were determined in three diverse production systems: wheat monoculture (C wheat), a combined food and energy system (CFE) and a beech forest in Denmark. The C:N/C:O ratios were 194.1/1.68, 94.1/1.57 and 59.5/1.45 for beech forest, CFE and C wheat, respectively. The economic value of the non-marketed ES was also highest in beech forest (US$ 1089 ha -1 yr -1) followed by CFE (US$ 800 ha -1 yr -1) and C wheat (US$ 339 ha -1 yr -1). The combined economic value was highest in the CFE (US$ 3143 ha -1 yr -1) as compared to the C wheat (US$ 2767 ha -1 yr -1) and beech forest (US$ 2365 ha -1 yr -1). We argue that C:N/C:O can be used as a proxy of ES, particularly for the non-marketed ES, such as regulating, supporting and cultural services. These ES play a vital role in the sustainable production of food and energy. Therefore, they should be considered in decision making and developing appropriate policy responses for land use management.