Soil organic carbon contents and depths of Ap horizons (i.e., cultivated topsoil) from Ontario soil survey reports were reviewed, analyzed, and compared from 1950 to 2019. Organic carbon concentrations have declined from 2.85% to 2.34% in Ap horizons, whereas depths have increased by 40%. Considering the entire Ap horizon depth, we show that soil carbon stocks (kg C·ha−1) may be constant or increasing. Losses of organic carbon due to cultivation should not be discounted; however, dilution of organic carbon within a deeper plow layer may contribute significantly to observed decreases in organic carbon concentrations in topsoil.
How to translate text using browser tools
19 November 2020
Soil organic carbon content: decreases partly attributed to dilution by increased depth of cultivation in southern Ontario
C.J. Warren,
D.D. Saurette,
A.W. Gillespie
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
It is not available for individual sale.
This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
It is not available for individual sale.
Canadian Journal of Soil Science
Vol. 101 • No. 2
June 2021
Vol. 101 • No. 2
June 2021
carbon concentration
carbon stock
cultivation
plow layer
soil organic carbon
topsoil depth