Comparison of Three Methods for Measurement of Soil Organic Carbon

Abstract

Quantification of soil organic carbon (SOC) is an important element in the assessment of the carbon sequestration potential of soils in tree-based intercropping (TBI) systems. The organic carbon (OC) concentrations of soils in TBI systems often differ from those in conventional agricultural systems due to the additional C inputs from litter fall and roots. However, the presence of soil inorganic carbon (SIC) can confound the measurements of SOC. This study compared three methods of measuring SOC: (i) measurement of the total soil C (TC) in one subsample and, after treatment in a muffle furnace (575 °C) for 24 h, measurement of SIC in another subsample; (ii) SOC measured after fumigation with 12 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) to remove SIC; and (iii) SOC measured after digestion with 0.73 M H2SO3 to remove SIC. The TC, SOC, and SIC concentrations were determined by combustion. A correction factor was applied to express SIC and SOC concentrations on an original, untreated soil basis. Measurement of SOC by the muffle furnace method resulted in the greatest SOC concentrations for Populus spp. (hybrid poplar) for samples from two of the three depths (0–10 and 20–40 cm). Measurement of SOC by the HCl fumigation and H2SO3 digestion methods were highly correlated, suggesting complete removal of SIC with minimal oxidation of SOC. These results have implications for the method of measuring SOC in calcareous soils under coniferous and deciduous tree species to a depth of 40 cm.