Abstract
Determining soil carbon (C) with high precision is an essential
requisite for the success of the terrestrial C sequestration program.
The informed choice of management practices for different terrestrial
ecosystems rests upon accurately measuring the potential for
C sequestration. Numerous methods are available for assessing
soil C. Chemical analysis of field-collected samples using a dry
combustion method is regarded as the standard method. However,
conventional sampling of soil and their subsequent chemical analysis
is expensive and time consuming. Furthermore, these methods
are not sufficiently sensitive to identify small changes over time in
response to alterations inmanagement practices or changes in land
use. Presently, several different in situ analytic methods are being
developed purportedly offering increased accuracy, precision and
cost-effectiveness over traditional ex situ methods. We consider
that, at this stage, a comparative discussion of different soil C determination
methods will improve the understanding needed to
develop a standard protocol.
