Distribution and factors influencing organic carbon stock in mountain soils in Babia Góra National Park, Poland

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the soil organic carbon stock (T-SOC stock) in different mountain soils in the Babia Góra National Park (BNP). Environmental factors, such as the topography, parent material, and vegetation, were examined for their effect on carbon stock. Fifty-nine study plots in different BNP locations with diverse vegetation were selected for the study. In each study plot, organic carbon stock was calculated, and its relationships with different site factors were determined. The results reveal that the SOC stocks in the mountain soils of the BNP are characterized by high variability (from 50.10 to 905.20 t ha-1). The general linear model (GLM) analysis indicates that the soil type is an important factor of soil organic carbon stock. Topographical factors influence soil conditions and vegetation, which results in a diversity in carbon accumulation in different mountain soils in the BNP. The highest carbon stock was recorded in histosols (>550 t C ha-1), which are located in the lower part of the BNP in the valleys and flat mountain areas.