Simulating Changes in Organic Carbon of Forest Soils Due to Climate Change at Different Altitudes Using the Roth C Model

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Mehran Misaghi ¹
• Ahmad Golchin ²
• .Mohammad Sadegh .Askari ¹

¹ Agriculture Faculty University of Zanjan Iran

² Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.

10.22067/geoeh.2024.85968.1445

Abstract

This study explores the influence of land altitude on soil organic carbon storage levels in the forest soils of Talesh County, Gilan Province. Samples were gathered from soils at four distinct altitudes (500-1000, 1000-1500, 1500-2000, and 2000-2500 meters above sea level) with comparable intrinsic characteristics. Composite soil samples were assembled from the 0-35 cm depth, and the concentration of soil organic carbon in these samples, coupled with soil bulk density in undisturbed samples, facilitated the computation of soil organic carbon stocks. Statistical comparisons were conducted using a randomized complete block design. The Roth C model was employed to estimate the organic carbon content of these soils and analogous soils. Climatic and soil organic carbon content data at each altitude were utilized to calibrate and validate the Roth C model. Diverse climate change scenarios were simulated using the model to evaluate variations in organic carbon storage at different altitudes. Findings revealed that as land elevation increased, soil organic carbon storage also increased, attributed to higher precipitation and lower temperatures. The Roth C model was employed to estimate the organic carbon content of these soils and analogous soils. Climatic and soil organic carbon content data at each altitude were utilized to calibrate and validate the Roth C model. Diverse climate change scenarios were simulated using the model to evaluate variations in organic carbon storage at different altitudes. Findings revealed that as land elevation increased, soil organic carbon storage also increased, attributed to higher precipitation and lower temperatures. The Roth C model exhibited precision in estimating forest soil organic carbon, displaying correlation and determination coefficients of 0.97 and 0.95. The model suggested that under current climate conditions, soil organic carbon remains stable over time. In equilibrium, carbon input into the soil through plant residues equals carbon output from the soil as carbon gas.

Keywords

• Soil organic carbon storage
• Elevation above sea level
• Roth C model
• Climate change
• Forest soils

Main Subjects

• Climate change

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