Carbon Balance in Postagrogenic Soddy Podzolic Soils

This article analyzes changes in the indicators of the deposition and release of carbon into the atmosphere on soddy podzolic soils depending on the type of land and relief elements. Deposits of different ages were chosen as the main object of research. They were compared with nearby arable and forested lands. It has been established that the maximum volumes of annual carbon sequestration and release are observed in forest lands lying on the accumulative links of the catena (5.7 and 5.41 tC/ha, respectively), while the minimum volumes are observed on arable land on the transit links (1.23 and 1.47 tC/ha, respectively). The amount of fixed carbon in fallows is determined by the period of their overgrowth and location: for fallows with a period of overgrowth of up to 20 years, it is 1.84–3.49 tC/ha, and 3.02–3.65 tC/ha for those with a period of more than 20 years. The highest rates of carbon deposition and release were observed on the accumulative links of the catena, which is explained by the best moistening conditions in such areas, especially during dry periods. The calculation of the annual carbon balance at key sites showed a negative trend in its accumulation on arable land, as well as on fallows with a period of overgrowth of up to 20 years. The greatest positive balance was recorded under forests, confirming their leading role in atmospheric carbon dioxide fixation.