The main objective of this study was to investigate changes in carbon dynamics and stocks in agricultural soils. Soil samples were collected at 0-10 cm and 10-30 cm depths in two agricultural areas (cultivated with banana (Musa spp.), and cultivated with citrus (Citrus sinensis). A native forest soil was used as a reference and to determine the carbon pool management index. Organic matter was physically fractionated into particulate organic matter (> 53 µm) and complexed organic matter (< 53 µm). Analysis of total organic carbon was run to characterize soil organic matter. Comparing to the native forest soil, the banana cultivation increased the total soil organic carbon content (TOC) in approximately 14% while citrus cultivation reduced the TOC content in about 38%. The cultivated soils reduced the particulate organic matter fraction in more than 50%, showing a higher decomposition rate of the organic residues. The Carbon Management Index values were lower than 1 in all treatments, however the best results were observed for the citrus orchard (116.5). Overall, the change in land use from native forest to fruit crops reduced soil organic matter content, especially its labile fraction, and reduced soil quality.
particulate organic matter; soil quality; carbon sequestration; tropical soils
