Assessment of roadside grassland soil carbon characteristics

Abstract

Carbon is a vital component of soil health and plays a crucial role in supporting plant growth and ecosystem functioning. By understanding the carbon content and characteristics of roadside grassland soil, we can evaluate its fertility and potential for supporting vegetation. Assessing roadside grassland soil carbon characteristics is important for understanding soil fertility, carbon sequestration potential, and the impact of human activities on soil health. The investigation includes elemental analysis of grassland soil and on that base calculation of ratios, soil organic carbon, soil carbon stocks, the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from SCS soil carbon stocks loss. The samples have more percentage of element hydrogen which contribute to anaerobic conditions in grassland soil include waterlogging or poor drainage, high organic matter content, and compacted soil. The C/N (Carbon to Nitrogen) ratio is low and this is the reason of delayed decomposition and difficulties of nutrient cycling processes within the ecosystem. The soil organic carbon varies between 1 % and 2 %. Soil carbon stock between 304gC and 474 gC may be considered relatively low. The carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from SCS soil carbon stocks loss was between 2 and 3 %. This loss in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from soil carbon stocks can be considered relatively low and potentially beneficial. Implementing practices that promote carbon sequestration, such as reducing soil disturbance, implementing cover cropping, and adopting sustainable land management practices, can help mitigate soil carbon loss and reduce emissions.