Evaluation of Topsoil Quality and Organic Carbon Content in Different Land Use Types–Northeastern Part of Algeria

Abstract

Assessing soil quality and soil organic matter plays a crucial role in the carbon sequestration. This study examined the influence of land use practices on key soil properties in the Northeast region of Algeria. The texture, bulk density, soil moisture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), equivalent calcium carbonate (CaCO3), soil organic matter (SOM), and soil organic carbon (SOC) were analyzed. Soil samples were collected from the 0-5 cm across land use types: cropland, agroforestry, fruit orchard, pastoral land, and urban land. The results highlight variations in soil properties and show a significant increase in carbon stocks in the agroforestry system. The soil textures were clay and sandy loam, while bulk density varied from 1.3 to 1.6 Mg/m³. Soil moisture content was moderate. pH values ranged from slightly alkaline to alkaline. CaCO3 contents were moderate to high as well as the EC content. The greater storage of SOC was found at sites with the highest plant diversity, under agroforestry (23.10 t ha⁻¹) and pastoral land (19.98 t ha⁻¹). Moreover, urban areas exhibited the lowest SOM and SOC contents. This research underscores the significant impact of land use practices on soil properties in the region, particularly those related to urban and agricultural uses.