Soil sampling and methods of analysis pdf

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Smallholder agricultural systems in tropical and subtropical regions may have significantly contributed to greenhouse gas GHG emissions over the past number of decades. As a result, these systems currently offer large GHG mitigation potentials e. In this chapter we synthesize current available methodologies designed to assess SOC stocks and stock changes. From this analysis, it becomes apparent that the design and subsequent implementation of any quantification and monitoring scheme envisaged for studies focusing solely on the soil component greatly differs from those developed for whole ecosystem accounting, not just in its approach, but also in the amount of resources needed to implement it within a given degree of accuracy. We provide analyses and recommendations on methods specifically dealing with quantification and assessment of SOC at both the individual farm and the landscape scale in smallholder agricultural systems. Indeed, smallholder agricultural systems are highly dynamic and heterogeneous environments that may have significantly contributed to GHG emissions over the past number of decades Berry Furthermore, these systems traditionally suffer from severe soil organic matter SOM depletion due to intense decomposition following soil ploughing, the removal of most of the aboveground biomass during harvest, and the enhanced soil erosion inherent to those activities.