Carbon dynamics under different land use systems of a micro-watershed in Northern Transition Zone of Karnataka

An investigation was undertaken during 2013–14 in northern transition zone of Karnataka to study the forms and distribution of carbon of Shinganhalli-Bogur micro-watershed. Three land use systems [agriculture (paddy land and non-paddy land), forest and horticulture] were selected for the study. From each land use system, fifteen surface (0–20 cm) soil samples were collected randomly. Water soluble carbon and active carbon were recorded highest under forest land use system. Among agriculture land use system, paddy land improved the carbon fractions over non-paddy land. Significant and positive correlations were registered between the carbon pools.