Comparison of soil carbon stock in broadleaved and coniferous tree species, case study:Kuhdasht Aquifer

Increased concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide due to human activities has resulted in accelerated global warming process. Forestation is the most effective way to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide and store it in terrestrial ecosystems in order to reduce and mitigate global warming. This study aimed to investigate the comparison of soil carbon sequestration in various stands in ​​Kuhdasht Aquifer and to present the best regression model for carbon sequestration based on all soil characteristics. In each stand (20-year old) of Ficus carica, Punica granatum, Pistacia vera, Amygdalus lycioides and Cupressus arizonica species as well as control rangeland, a number of 10 sample plots (5×5 m) were randomly selected and soil samples were taken in each plot at 0-10, 10-30 and 30-50 cm depths. All soil samples were transferred to the laboratory in order to measure soil characteristics including soil texture, organic carbon, bulk density, electrical conductivity, lime percentage and soil acidity. The results showed that the highest value of carbon sequestration in soil of Pistacia vera stand (54.94 tha-1) significantly (P <%1) higher compared to other stands, followed by Ficus carica (50.23 tha-1), Amygdalus lycioides (31.53 tha-1), Punica granatum (27.09 tha-1), Cupressus arizonica (24.17 tha-1) and control rangeland (9.01 tha-1) stands. Results also showed significant differences (P <%1) between the studied stands in terms of soil texture, acidity, organic carbon, electrical conductivity and soil bulk density. Also, the result of stepwise regression indicated that soil texture and acidity were the most important components affecting soil carbon sequestration, respectively.