Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics in Populus deltoides Plantations Using RothC-model in The Indo-Gangetic Region of India

Soil organic carbon (SOC) change can arise because of changes in land use, land management and climatic conditions. Modelling approach helps in proper choice of management practices for soil carbon build-up. In this context, RothC is a promising model for estimation of SOC changes in different land-use systems. In the present study, RothC model was used to predict the development of SOC in Populus deltoides plantation during three rotations in three agro-climatic zones of the Indo-Gangetic region, India. The result reveal that RothC fairly predicts SOC. Root mean square error for Lower Gangetic Region (LGR), Middle Gangetic Region (MGR) and Trans Gangetic Plain (TGP) was 2.75, 4.94 and 1.30 respectively, while comparing modelled and measured data. Model efficiency was 0.25, 0.36 and 0.89 for LGR, MGR and TGP respectively. The rate of change of measured SOC was 1.0, 1.59 and 1.51 mg ha^–1 year^–1 for LGR, MGR and TGP respectively, whereas the rate of change of simulated SOC was higher, i.e. 1.16 and 1.89 mg ha^–1 year^–1 for LGR and UGR respectively, and lower for TGP (0.97 mg ha^–1 year^–1).