Soil organic carbon storage and factors affecting its distribution paddy and forest soil of Jorhat District of Assam

Abstract

Aim: To investigate soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and distribution pattern under paddy and forest land use along with the effect of various edaphic and environmental factors on it. Methodology: Soil samples from 12 different profiles were collected from different agriculture and forest lands across the district. Soil samples were collected at three different depth ranges 0?30, 30?60, and 60?100 cm from both agriculture and forest land. Soil samples were processed and analysed for different soil parameters in laboratory.? Results: Soil organic carbon density (SOCD) was found to be higher under forest at all depth range compared to agricultural land. But soil organic carbon storage was higher under agricultural land (1.34 tC at 0-100 cm depth) compared to forest (0.44 tC at 0-100 cm depth) land. Geostatistical method was used to estimate the total SOC storage and density (SOCD) of which density was found to be high under forest (1.21 kg m-2) but carbon stock was high for paddy field (1.34 t C). Zero order correlation and path analysis revealed significant effect of soil texture on SOCD over environmental factors in this region.? Interpretation: Information from this study can be also useful for identification of critical and potential regions in terms of carbon storage which may need immediate attention. This information will also be helpful for the policy makers in management and monitoring of natural resources and can act as an input for further research.