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Project properties |
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| Title | Quantifying uncertainty in organic carbon recovery from POM/MAOM soil fractionation |
| Group | Soil Biology |
| Project type | thesis |
| Credits | 36-39 |
| Supervisor(s) | Paolo Di Lonardo and Mirjam Breure |
| Examiner(s) | TBD |
| Contact info | paolo.dilonardo@wur.nl |
| Begin date | 2025/09/01 |
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| Description | Organic carbon (OC) recovery following POM/MAOM size fractionation is known to be variable, with values reported in the literature ranging from 93% to 120%. To improve the reliability and interpretability of these results, it is essential to quantify the uncertainty associated with OC recovery measurements. This includes accounting for laboratory measurement errors and applying statistical techniques such as error propagation to estimate total uncertainty. Conducting replicates helps evaluate the repeatability of the procedure, while rigorous documentation and standardization of protocols can minimize operator-induced variability. The use of standard reference materials and inter-laboratory comparisons further aids in calibrating measurements and ensuring consistency. Understanding and reporting these sources of uncertainty is critical for interpreting POM and MAOM data in the context of soil carbon dynamics, as it acknowledges inherent variability while promoting transparency and methodological robustness.
By contributing to this research, students will play a key role in improving the methodological foundation of soil organic matter studies, enhancing soil health assessments and advancing our understanding of carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Your work will directly inform efforts to monitor and manage soil carbon as part of global climate and sustainability goals. |
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