Spatial Heterogeneity of Soil Carbon Sequestration Potential and Its Estimation Using GIS Technologies and Remote Sensing Data

Abstract

The chapter considers soil carbon sequestration potential as a characteristic associated with the genesis of soils and the degree of their degradation. Various options for estimating the soil carbon sequestration potential based on comparing potentially achievable and actual levels of organic carbon content in soils are considered. Possible scenarios of carbon losses and carbon sequestration by the soils of Ukraine for the period up to 2050 are discussed. A method of spatial quantitative assessment of soil sequestration potential is proposed, considering the heterogeneity of relief and the degree of erosion degradation of soils. The implementation of the method is presented in the case of an experimental site located in the forest-steppe of Ukraine (Kharkiv region). It was shown that underestimation of the features of soil spatial heterogeneity can lead to errors in the estimation of the soil organic carbon sequestration potential up to 50% of the average value.