Dead plant material known as litterfall provides energy to soil microorganisms, leading to a release of stored soil carbon.
A six-year study has provided researchers with new insight into the relations between plants and soil and the resulting carbon cycling.
According to Dr Emma Sayer, lead author of the study, the results should be taken into consideration when using models of climate change to predict atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
The long-term effects of carbon cycling remain unknown.
Read more at University of Cambridge