Abstract
Spatial distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) is the result of a combination of various factors related to both the natural environment and anthropogenic activities. The aim of this study was to examine (i) the state of SOC in topsoil and subsoil of vineyards compared to the nearest forest, (ii) the influence of soil management on SOC, (iii) the variation in SOC content with topographic position, (iv) the intensity of soil erosion in order to estimate the leaching of SOC from upper to lower topographic positions, and (v) the significance of SOC for the reduction of soil’s susceptibility to compaction. The study area was the vineyard region of Niš, which represents a medium-sized vineyard region in Serbia. About 32% of the total land area is affected, to some degree, by soil erosion. However, according to the mean annual soil loss rate, the total area is classified as having tolerable erosion risk. Land use was shown to be an important factor that controls SOC content. The vineyards contained less SOC than forest land. The SOC content was affected by topographic position. The interactive effect of topographic position and land use on SOC was significant. The SOC of forest land was significantly higher at the upper position than at the middle and lower positions. Spatial distribution of organic carbon in vineyards was not influenced by altitude, but occurred as a consequence of different soil management practices. The deep tillage at 60–80 cm, along with application of organic amendments, showed the potential to preserve SOC in the subsoil and prevent carbon loss from the surface layer. Penetrometric resistance values indicated optimum soil compaction in the surface layer of the soil, while low permeability was observed in deeper layers. Increases in SOC content reduce soil compaction and thus the risk of erosion and landslides. Knowledge of soil carbon distribution as a function of topographic position, land use and soil management is important for sustainable production and climate change mitigation.
Highlights
Soil organic carbon (SOC) is key constituent of soil organic matter (SOM), which is an essential component of soils as it supports soil structure, fertility and a range of physical and chemical properties
The aim of this study was to examine (i) the state of SOC in topsoil and subsoil of vineyards compared to the nearest forest, (ii) the influence of soil management on SOC, (iii) the variation of SOC content with topographic position, (iv) soil erosion intensity in order to estimate the significance of SOC leaching from upper to lower topographic positions, (v) the significance of SOC for reducing the susceptibility of soil to compaction
The amount of organic carbon in soil and its spatial distribution depend on the land use, soil depth, altitude and management practices, as well as the interaction between land use and topographic position
Summary
Soil organic carbon (SOC) is key constituent of soil organic matter (SOM), which is an essential component of soils as it supports soil structure, fertility and a range of physical and chemical properties. Soil organic carbon stocks comprise the largest carbon pool in terrestrial ecosystems and act as a major source or sink for atmospheric CO2 [1,2]. SOC sequestration is regarded as an option to mitigate climate change and is based on positive. Small changes in the SOC stock impact the carbon cycle and may significantly increase or decrease the carbon concentrations in the atmosphere [4]. Batjes [5] estimated the global SOC stock up to a 2 m depth to be 2060 ± 215 Pg. C. Scharlemann et al [6]
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