Comparison of carbon sequestration in different land uses (Case Study: Some part of catchment of Behshahr)

In recent years, increasing of greenhouse gases results in global warming and climate changes. Carbon sequestration is a result of carbon capturing in different parts of ecosystems, particularly in soil. The purpose of the present study is evaluation of carbon sequestration potential in wheat field, citrus garden and grassland in urban district of Behshahr.

The soil samples were collected from ten different points for each land use. They were randomly taken from a depth of 30 cm using systematic random sampling. Texture, apparent specific density, acidity, humidity, organic carbon and nitrogen of the soil were measured in laboratoty. The analysis of variance of soil properties indicates significant difference in studied land uses regarding to carbon sequestration.

The results showed that the average carbon sequestration in wheat field, citrus garden and grassland were 36% (Ton/Ha), 54% (Ton/Ha), 51%(Ton/Ha) , respectively. Totally, citrus garden had the highest carbon sequestration among studied land uses. Grassland and wheat field were ranked in second and third places, respectively. Via Pearson product-moment correlation, it was revealed that among all analyzed parameters, nitrogen had the most effect on soil carbon sequestration.

The results of the present study show how land use effects on soil carbon sequestration, hence considering these results is necessary for Lands Management in North of Iran.