SOIL ORGANIC CARBON STOCKS IN NATURAL FORESTS OF DONGNAI CULTURE AND NATURE RESERVE, SOUTHEASTERN VIETNAM

Even minor fluctuations in the carbon content in forest soil can significantly impact atmospheric carbon concentrations and future global climate patterns. Therefore, investigating the variation characteristics of soil organic carbon (SOC) in tropical forests is essential for comprehending the carbon sequestration potential of forest soil. This study delves into SOC dynamics within the natural forest types of Dongnai Culture and Nature Reserve in southeastern Vietnam. Nine 1000 m(2) plots were sampled across rich, medium, and poor forests. Soil samples were collected from depths ranging from 0 to 60 cm. The findings revealed increased SOC content from poor to rich forests, with a decrease in depth. The total carbon (C) stocks ranged from 92.20 Mg C ha(-1) in poor forests to 124.30 Mg C ha(-1) in rich forests within the top 60 cm. Over 81% of soil C was concentrated in the upper 40 cm. Factors such as soil water content and slope gradient emerged as crucial determinants affecting SOC distribution. These results underscore the potential of forest management practices to augment SOC levels, thereby offering valuable insights for estimating carbon stocks in the forest ecosystems of southeastern Vietnam.