Soil Carbon Sequestration in Different Land Use Types

Abstract

Assessing the influence of agricultural land use on soil carbon sequestration is important for the management of soil carbon stocks in cultivated sandy soils. Soil carbon sequestration in different land use types was studied in Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Three oil palm fields, OM1, OM2, and OM3, of different years of establishment and management practices were selected, along with nursery (NUR), livestock (LIV), vegetable (VEG), arable (ARB), and fallow (FAL) land. Soil samples were collected in the representative portion of each land use and analyzed for particle size distribution, bulk density, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic carbon, and pH, while the soil carbon sequestration was calculated. OM1 (6.72 tons/ha) and LIV (6.40 ton/ha) sequestered more carbon than other land use types, revealing the potential of oil palm to sequester carbon in sandy soils. There is a significant relationship between bulk density and soil carbon sequestered in the land use; therefore, practices that will improve the soil bulk density and increase the soil organic matter were recommended.