TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT THE GENESIS, MORPHOLOGY AND DISTRIBUTION OF SOIL ORGANIC CARBON IN OUR NATIONAL PARKS

Soils have been identified by many researchers as having the largest terrestrial stock of organic carbon; estimates indicate that soils store about twice the amount of organic carbon as above-ground vegetation. The National Park Service, working in conjunction with the USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in the ongoing mapping of our Parks is taking a closer look at the genesis, morphology, and distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) in the soils of our parks to educate the public about the important role soils play in storing carbon and to help park staff better manage their lands in terms of a park’s carbon footprint. Using an interpretation generator within the National Soil Information System (NASIS) platform it is possible to export classes of soil organic carbon (SOC kg/m2 to either 1 meter or two meters) to create maps and tables that clearly illustrate the distribution and relative amounts of organic carbon stored in soils. Carbon maps can help prioritize restoration areas and can also be used to help select areas for detailed soil carbon research. Comparative levels of SOC from different park units will be displayed and discussed in relation to their soil climate regimes.