Temperature sensitivity (Q10) and soil type influence carbon and nitrogen mineralization in temperate ecosystems

Abstract

The temperature sensitivity of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization commonly expressed as the Q 10 coefficient, plays a pivotal role in regulating soil–atmosphere greenhouse gas exchanges in temperate ecosystems. This review synthesizes findings from 181 peer-reviewed studies (1960–2025) to evaluate how soil properties, substrate quality, microbial traits, and land-use history interact to shape Q 10 dynamics under climatic warming. Using a structured, thematically coded literature review, we identify mechanistic pathways that govern mineralization responses across major temperate soil orders. Clay-rich soils with high short-range ordered (SRO) minerals consistently exhibit low Q 10 values (1.3–2.0) due to mineral protection of soil organic matter (SOM). In contrast, coarse-textured and disturbed soils exhibit elevated thermal sensitivity (> 3.0). Microbial C use efficiency (CUE), enzyme activity, and functional group composition further modulate mineralization responses, especially under seasonal freeze–thaw or rewetting events. Land-use transitions, including tillage, afforestation, and organic amendments, significantly alter Q 10 by altering aggregation, SOM accessibility, and microbial community structure. Despite advances, Earth system models often overlook the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of Q 10 , limiting prediction accuracy. We highlight the need for integrating depth-resolved mineralogical traits, microbial acclimation, and management history into climate–soil feedback frameworks. This synthesis advances a mechanistic foundation for improving biogeochemical models and informing soil-based climate mitigation strategies.