Spatial and Depth-Wise Variability of Bulk Density, Cation Exchange Capacity, And Soil Organic Carbon Pools in Different Land Uses of Tehsil Ramnagar

Abstract

This study investigates the variation of soil properties and carbon pools across different land uses in Tehsil Ramnagar, with a focus on microbial biomass carbon (MBC), water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), and soil organic carbon (SOC). The analysis reveals significant differences in soil characteristics among forest, grassland, orchard, and agricultural systems. Grassland soils exhibited the highest MBC, followed by forest, orchard, and agricultural soils, with agricultural soils showing the lowest microbial biomass. The study also observed a general decrease in WSOC with increasing soil depth, particularly in agricultural soils, indicating higher organic carbon degradation. The SOC content varied across villages, with grasslands consistently showing the highest SOC levels, particularly in villages like Dalsar and Dehari, whereas agricultural soils exhibited the lowest SOC. Additionally, orchards and forests were found to store more carbon than grassland and agricultural systems. These findings highlight the importance of land use management in influencing soil health and carbon sequestration, with forest and orchard systems providing critical contributions to soil organic matter and microbial activity. Sustainable land management practices, particularly in agricultural systems, are necessary to enhance soil carbon storage and improve soil fertility.