Soil carbon stock and physico-chemical properties in important plantations of Tamil Nadu, India

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays an important role in soil fertility and is of paramount importance for its contributions to mitigation adaptation climate change. The present study was undertaken estimate the SOC stock properties plantations Southern zone Tamil Nadu. Four different species were selected viz, Eucalyptus, Casuarina, Melia Teak. In all estimation biomass, composite samples collected at three depths; i.e., 0-15, 15- 30 30-45 cm. analysed various such as pH, Electrical conductivity, Organic carbon, Available N, P, K. Among Eucalyptus plantations, clonal plantation >6 years sequestered highest amount (19.8 Mg ha-1) cm depth. maximum Casuarina > 5 (23.3 ha-1). observed to7 old (15.6 ha-1), Teak 15 (22.1 pH conductivity significantly differed among decreased with increase age plantation. Nitrogen availability (303.98 kg ha-1 ) >5 0-15 available potassium high surface soils (0-15 cm) (329.50 data generated would provide valuable information on scope afforestation reforestation projects sustaining livelihoods farming community also will encourage them contribute mitigating global emissions expanding forest tree cover.