Estimating soil organic carbon stocks in three temperate forest types in Durango, Mexico

Abstract

Background: Carbon (C) stocks in the world's forests amount to 861 Pg; 44 % is in the soil. Despite its importance as a reservoir, studies on soil organic carbon (SOC) in forests of Mexico are scarce. Questions: Does soil organic carbon vary between vegetation types and soil types in Durango forests? Study site: Temperate forests of Durango, Mexico. Methods: SOC data were obtained from 399 permanent sites. Samples were collected from leaf litter, fermentation horizon and from the 0-30 and 30-60 cm soil layers. C contents were determined on an elemental analyzer. Uncertainties were calculated following the procedures used by the National Forestry Commission. Results: The average SOC was 8.48, 1.08, 110.62 and 53.44 Mg ha-1 in litter, fermentation horizon, 0-30 and 30-60 cm soil, respectively. The average total soil C stocks ranged from 26.34 to 578.27 Mg ha-1 (uncertainty: 6.31 %). The greatest variability of SOC stocks occurred in pine forest. Conclusions: Forest type does not influence soil organic carbon pools, but soil type does. SOC pools in Durango forests are higher compared to the same type of vegetation in other regions of the country.