Effect of Topographical Settings on Distribution of Soil Organic Carbon Fractions in Rice Ecosystem of North East India

Larika L. Challam, Naorem Janaki Singh, Kabir Debbarma, Lala I.P. Ray, Sanjay Swami

Abstract


Understanding the effect of different topographical settings on soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions could help better soil carbon management under hill rice ecosystems. In our study the SOC and its fractions of particulate organic matter (POM), light fraction of organic matter (LFOM), dissolve organic matter (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and hot water-soluble carbon (HWC) were investigated for different topological settings under hill rice ecosystems of Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya. It was not found specific distribution pattern of SOC and its fractions at different topological settings. However, there was a variation (P < 0.05) of SOC and its fraction content at different topological settings. The highest POM content was noticed at 32% slope of Pyllun and lowest at Paham (32% slope) following with intermountain valley (Boirymbong). The highest content of LFOM and DOC, MBC, HWC were recorded at 6% slope topography and lowest at 32% slope of Paham. The SOC fractions (POM, LFOM, MBC and HWC) were more at the surface soil whereas DOC was found more the subsurface soil. There were significant positive relationships (P <0.01) between SOC and its corresponding fractions including DOC, POM, LFOM and HWC, a negative relationships (P <0.05) were observed between SOC and DOC and MBC in subsurface soil (15-30 cm). The correlation coefficients with SOC decreased in the order of LFOM > POM > HWC > DOC at surface soil and POM > LFOM > HWC at subsurface soil. It is concluded that further study on soil pedogenic properties influenced on SOC distribution is needed to confirm the SOC controlling variables including slope for better SOC management.

Keywords


Particulate Organic Matter; Light Fraction Organic Matter; Dissolved Organic Carbon; Microbial Biomass Carbon; Hot Water Soluble Carbon; Ri-Bhoi District; Meghalaya

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