Abstract
This study examines the spatial distribution of the organic carbon found in alluvial soils affected by successive floods. In flood zones, very little is known of the processes associated with the development of soils subjected to frequent flooding, in particular with respect to the accumulation of litter and organic carbon concentrations. The aim of this study is to better understand the distribution of organic carbon based on various hydrological gradients associated with flood recurrence. A digital elevation model was developed from LIDAR data to assess the microtopography of the site, and further delineate floodplains and no-flood zones. Various soil properties were considered in addition to organic carbon, such as pH, soil bulk density, litter, drainage, and topographic levels (elevation). The results show that the soils in the frequent-flood zones (FFz, recurrence of 0–20 years) have significantly less total organic carbon than the soils in the no-flood zones (NFz) and the moderate flood zones (MFz, 20–100 years). Average values obtained for the surface horizons (0–20 cm) vary by 1.74% ± 0.85% (FFz), 3.34% ± 1.09% (MFz) and 3.54% ± 1.77% (NFz), respectively. The absence of ground litter in the frequent flood zones helps decrease the input of organic matter in the surface horizons and progressively results in soil depletion.
Highlights
Organic carbon and the other nutrients found in soil play a key role in soil-forming processes, in addition to contributing to soil fertility and quality [1,2,3,4,5]
Little variability was noted in the textural classes between the soil in the flood zones (FFz and Moderate Flood zone (MFz)) and the soil outside the floodplains (NFz), the clay content is sometimes greater in the frequent flood zones
If we examine the data measured upstream and downstream of the sites analyzed by other recent work [27,28,38], it can be noted that the surface soil (0–20 cm) and the deeper layers of soil (20–100 cm) have little total organic carbon content (TOC) content in the floodplains [38]
Summary
Organic carbon and the other nutrients found in soil play a key role in soil-forming processes, in addition to contributing to soil fertility and quality [1,2,3,4,5]. Organic matter in these various forms (e.g., labile fractions, humus) plays a role in several biogeochemical processes with a direct impact on plant–soil interactions [6,7,8,9]. Soil organic carbon content can vary based on edaphic and morphosedimentological conditions, in particular in riverbanks with different hydrological, sedimentological and topographical conditions [12,13,14,15]. The remobilization of sediment transported downstream can alter the carbon flow in riparian soils in the catchment [17]. It is important to determine spatial variability of the organic content on a micro scale, especially in active zones subject to a multitude
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
