Determination of Organic Carbon Stability in Grassland Soils Using The Method of Chemo–Destructive Fractionation

Dr. Inga LIAUDANSKIENE; Dr. Jonas SLEPETYS; Dr. Alvyra SLEPETIENE

Volume : III, Issue : VII, July - 2014

Determination of Organic Carbon Stability in Grassland Soils Using The Method of Chemo–Destructive Fractionation

Dr. Inga Liaudanskiene, Dr. Jonas Slepetys, Dr. Alvyra Slepetiene

Abstract :

Plant species can influence soil organic carbon (SOC) quantity and qualitative composition. This research determined total SOC content and carbon distribution in SOC fractions of different stability in grassland soils in Central Lithuania by ap-plying chemo-destructive fractionation in order to investigate SOC reliance on herbaceous plant species. The pure legume swards and mixture with other legumes and with Festulolium was grown under organic management on EndocalcariEndohypo-gleyic Cambisol. For comparison, the old semi-natural pasture has been used. The highest amount of SOC accumulated in the soil under four-component sward (Galega orientalis + Medicago sativa + Trifolium pratense + Festulolium). This sward also determined the increase of carbon content in residual F4 fraction, which can be de-fined as strengthening of SOC stability. The most sustainable was the soil of old semi-natural pasture, whereas the compara-ble amount of labile and recalcitrant SOC fractions determines the soil fertility and SOC sequestration and protection from de-composition simultaneously.