Soil Carbon Dynamics during the Amelioration of Salt-Affected Areas in Northeast Thailand

抄録

An understanding of the effect of salinization on soil carbon (C) sequestration is important for environmental management. This study aimed to investigate the effect of salinity on soil organic carbon dynamics in salt-affected areas under a tree plantation, at Amphur Borabue, Mahasarakam province, Northeast Thailand. The study area has been established with tree plantation for three years and was divided into 3 zones based on the plant community found in each zone, correlated with the flooding situation and soil salinity. Soil samples were taken from three different zones and a fallow soil (control) at the same depth (0-20 cm) with three replications beginning from the rainy season of 2010 to the summer of 2011. The results from a three year old tree plantation showed decreasing EC_e and increasing soil organic carbon when compared with the fallow soil. Moreover, microbial activities were greater under the tree plantation soils when compared to the fallow soil. It could be concluded that soil organic carbon and biological properties were improved after establishment of a tree plantation in salt-affected soils. Therefore, it indicates that tree plantations are an effective strategy for carbon sequestration to reduce the buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.