Insights and approaches for mapping soil organic carbon as a dynamic soil property
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
9-1-2010
Abstract
Soil organic C (SOC) content is one of the most dynamic of soil properties. In this study, we examined the effects of land use change on SOC pools for a single soil series and developed a mapping approach to relate SOC dynamics to land use change. Six paired sites, consisting of adjacent agricultural field and forest within a single delineation, were sampled and the SOC pools determined. The average forest SOC pool (157 Mg ha-1) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the field pool (103 Mg ha-1), supporting the importance of land use on SOC pools. We propose the development of a SOC phase based on land use to map such differences. Master O and A horizon data should be used to establish SOC phases. Data can be obtained from existing soil surveys, updates, or C accounting activities. Land use classes can be identified with digital imagery and SOC phases can be assigned to all mapping units. Mapping units sampled for C accounting can be resampled to detect patterns and rates of change. This approach provides a robust data set to effectively map and model SOC pools and change across the landscape. © Soil Science Society of America, 5585 Guilford Rd., Madison WI 53711 USA All rights reserved.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Soil Science Society of America Journal
Volume
74
Issue
5
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Stolt, Mark H., Patrick J. Drohan, and Matthew J. Richardson. "Insights and approaches for mapping soil organic carbon as a dynamic soil property." Soil Science Society of America Journal 74, 5 (2010). doi: 10.2136/sssaj2009.0326N.