Effects of soil types and land use - land cover on soil organic carbon density at Madendere watershed

Identifying the primary factors influencing watershed scale soil organic carbon (SOC) spatial distribution is critical for improving the accuracy of SOC stock estimates. The primary objective of the current study is to determine the effects of soil type and land use-land cover on SOC in Maden Dere Watershed. To determine land use and land cover of the study area, Geoeye satellite image was used. Four main land use and land cover that are forest, pasture, orchard and cultivated land were determined. Results indicate soil types and land use-land cover were two influencing factors of SOC density spatial variation. SOC density of soil profiles, Haplustept (37.58 kg/m2) was significantly higher than other soil great groups. Main reasons of this result are indicated as profile depth and pedological development. In addition, it was determined land use and land cover affect on SOC by taking soil samples. For surface soils SOC density, the lowest average carbon storage (5.05 kg/m2) was found in cultivated soils. In conclusion, it should be developed proper land use policy and sustainable soil management and cropping practices to combat the ongoing soil degradation and improve soil fertility in the study area.