Profile Distribution of Soil Organic Carbon in Major Land Use Systems in Bishalgarh Block, Tripura

摘要

Understanding the distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) is the key component for evaluating current and potential soil productivity, and suggesting necessary protection measures. Soil and climate have long-term effects on SOC, while land use has astrong and direct impact (Cantarello et al. 2011). The SOC content, for example, may quickly decline once a forest is converted into cropland and plantation (Kurbahef al. 2016).Profile distribution of SOC under different land uses is important for evaluating soil functions and understanding SOC sequestration process (Venteris et al. 2004). The soil ecosystems in tropical and subtropical regions are highly fragile and, therefore, any change (depletion, enhancement or no change) in SOC as a consequence of change in land use is critical (Sharma et al. 2005).The north-east part of India with a very diverse land use system could be an ideal region to explore. The current study was, therefore, undertaken in three major land use systems prevalent in Bishalgarh block of Sepahijala district of Tripura state withthe objective to examine effects of land use on SOC density and a few other soil properties.