Abstract

PAZ PELLAT, Fernando et al. Spatial and temporal distribution of soil organic carbon in the terrestrial ecosystems of Mexico. Terra Latinoam [online]. 2016, vol.34, n.3, pp.289-310. ISSN 2395-8030.

The spatial distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC), and inventory, def ine the minimum requirements (diagnosis) for the development of public policies for mitigation of greenhouse gases. Inventory estimates of SOC reservoirs globally are dependent on sources of information and methodologies used, generally with high uncertainty. Inventories of SOC in terrestrial ecosystems in Mexico are reviewed in this paper, showing signif icant variations in national estimates, which are dependent on the sample data used and the considerations in the estimation of the bulk density and the fraction of coarse fragments (>2mm). Under the assumption that the dynamics of COS can be characterized by changes in the type of land use and vegetation (LUV) sensu INEGI, the results of the temporal patterns of SOC by LUV are shown, and according to classes FAO for reports for assessing world forest resources. The results show the critical need to develop joint policies between forest and agricultural sectors. Finally, given the information available in Mexico and the need to reduce uncertainties, the relationship between texture-SOC is analyzed in the terrestrial ecosystems of Mexico, characterizing the maximum and minimum values of SOC based on the percentage of sand in soil at depths of 0-30 cm. The analysis in this paper is discussed to establish new future developments to reduce uncertainties in the estimates of COS, both in its spatial and temporal evolution characterization.

Keywords : SOC inventories; soil profiles; vegetation and soil land use; sectorial policies; texture-SOC relations.