Fig. 1. Systems approach for the contextualization of carbon-focused management strategies.

Management strategies that are adapted to prevailing environmental conditions (i.e., following the systems approach) should be maintained, while strategies not well-adapted to site-specific conditions (i.e., uninformed) can be improved (first double circle from the upper left). The optimal management strategy depends on whether the soil has a carbon (C)-saturated mineral phase (second double circle) and favorable conditions for biotic transformation of organic matter and retention of mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM; third double circle). Recommended management strategies are indicated in boxes and examples provided in the bullet points below. POM particulate organic matter, SOM soil organic matter. Some elements in this figure adapted from Angst et al.⁵⁸.