Dynamics of soil organic carbon stocks in the Guinea savanna and transition agro-ecology under different land-use systems in Ghana

Abstract This study was to assess and predict soil organic carbons stocks (SOCS) under the major land use/cover types in Kintampo North Municipal located in the Guinea savanna through the transition agro-ecological zone of Ghana. Random field sampling was done on 34 plots and 24 sample points at depths 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm and 20–30 cm per plot with soil corer. Soil bulk density, pH, particle size distribution and SOC were determined using standard laboratory procedures and computations. Results were subjected to both statistical and Geo-statistical analyses. The SOCS in each land use decreased with depth. The mean SOC for the five land-use systems studied were 11.33 t/ha, 7.95 t/ha and 6.08 t/ha at 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm and 20–30 cm, respectively. The vertical variability in SOC distribution across the considered land use/cover types was statistically significant (p < 0.05) but the statistical difference amongst land use/cover types was insignificant. The determined mean SOCS were 30.02 (±13.20) t/ha for savanna woodland as the highest and 22.01 (±8.92) t/ha for cashew plantation as the lowest at total depth (0–30 cm). The spatial distribution of SOC stocks ranged between 12 t/ha to about 33 t/ha.