Soil organic carbon density and storage in podzols – a case study from Ralsko region (Czech Republic)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is the characterization of Carbic Podzols in the Ralsko region (Czech Republic) and their role in the soil carbon balance. The emphasis was put on soil carbon density and storage in the subsurface mineral horizons. Soil organic carbon density calculated for the studied podzol in the Ralsko region was 49.97 t ha−1. More than 53% of this carbon is located in the subsurface horizons, below the depth of 30 cm. The soil organic carbon density was visualised for all soil horizons. The reasons for spatial variability in soil carbon densities were sketched. Carbon density, besides other things, depends on the soil horizon’s thickness which is very variable in the case of Carbic Podzols. Therefore, the horizon thickness and its course were visualised as well.