Organic matter of Estonian grassland soils
Department of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, Estonian University of Life Sciences,Kreutzwaldi 1, 51014, Tartu, Estonia; e-mail: raimo.kolli@emu.ee
Abstract:
Soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil organic matter (SOM) contents of Estonian grassland soils are analysed in 20 soil groups using data from the database PEDON and CATENA. The SOC and SOM concentrations (g kg-1) and pools (Mg ha-1) for upland mineral soils (Leptosols, Cambisols, Luvisols, Albeluvisols, Regosols; total 9 groups), lowland mineral soils (Gleysols, Fluvisols; 9 groups) and wetland organic soils (Histosols; 2 groups) are given separately for humus cover (HC) and soil cover (SC). The SOC and SOM pools for the entire Estonian grasslands were calculated on the basis of different soil types, morphological characteristics and distribution superficies. It was concluded that in Estonian grasslands SC 39.9±8.0 Tg of organic carbon is sequestered, 76.2% of which is found in HC and 23.8% in subsoils. Grassland SOC is sequestered in 69.1±12.6 Tg of SOM. A quality analysis of humus covers of grassland soils (evaluated from the pedo-ecological perspective) distinguished 5 quality groups and 15 subdivisions.
Key words:
carbon sequestration, grassland soils, humus status of grassland soil, quality of humus cover, SOC and SOM concentration and pools