Carbon sequestration in relation to soil morphological, physical and chemical properties-A review

The greenhouse effect has been of great concern and has led to several studies on the quality, kind, distribution and behaviour of SOC. Global warming and its effect on soils in terms of SOC management has led to several quantitative estimates for global carbon content in the soils. Restoration of soil quality through soil organic carbon (SOC) management has remained the major concern for tropical soils. Important factors controlling SOC levels include climate, hydrology, parent material, soil fertility, biological activity, vegetation patterns and land use. SOC is sensitive to impact of human activities viz., deforestation, biomass burning, land use changes and environmental pollution. The contribution of SOC on physical, chemical and biological properties of soils in sustaining their productivity are being appreciated since the dawn of human civilization. The comprehensive knowledge on influence of soil properties, bio climates, and land use on Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stocks forms an essential prerequisite in future land resource management programmes.