Type of Presentation
Poster Session
Location
University Library
Start Date
4-10-2026 2:30 PM
End Date
4-10-2026 3:15 PM
Abstract
Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a key indicator of soil health, fertility, and ecosystem productivity. It plays a central role in nutrient cycling, water retention, soil structure formation, and microbial activity, while also contributing to climate regulation through carbon sequestration. Increasing SOC enhances soil resilience to erosion and drought, making it essential for sustainable land management. In forest ecosystems, understanding SOC dynamics is critical for developing science-based policies and management strategies aimed at climate change mitigation and sustainable resource use. However, comparative information on SOC stocks between upland and floodplain forests remains limited. In this study, SOC stocks and their vertical distribution were investigated in upland and floodplain forests along Thorn Creek in northeastern Illinois. Soil samples were collected at three depths (0-15, 15-30, and 30-45 cm). Soil organic carbon concentrations were determined using the Walkley-Black chromic acid wet oxidation method, and soil bulk density was measured using metal core sampling cans to calculate SOC stocks. Results showed that total SOC stocks were significantly higher in floodplain forests (100.7 Mg ha⁻¹) than in upland forests (80.1 Mg ha⁻¹). However, no significant differences were observed in the vertical distribution pattern of SOC along the soil profile between the two forest types. Soil water content was generally higher in floodplain forests than in upland forests, although the difference was not statistically significant. These findings improve our understanding of SOC storage across contrasting forest types and provide a scientific basis for forest ecosystem management and climate change mitigation strategies.
Faculty / Staff Sponsor
Xiaoyong Chen
Presentation File
wf_yes
Soil Organic Carbon Stocks and Vertical Distribution in Upland and Floodplain Forests of Thorn Creek, Northeastern Illinois
University Library
Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a key indicator of soil health, fertility, and ecosystem productivity. It plays a central role in nutrient cycling, water retention, soil structure formation, and microbial activity, while also contributing to climate regulation through carbon sequestration. Increasing SOC enhances soil resilience to erosion and drought, making it essential for sustainable land management. In forest ecosystems, understanding SOC dynamics is critical for developing science-based policies and management strategies aimed at climate change mitigation and sustainable resource use. However, comparative information on SOC stocks between upland and floodplain forests remains limited. In this study, SOC stocks and their vertical distribution were investigated in upland and floodplain forests along Thorn Creek in northeastern Illinois. Soil samples were collected at three depths (0-15, 15-30, and 30-45 cm). Soil organic carbon concentrations were determined using the Walkley-Black chromic acid wet oxidation method, and soil bulk density was measured using metal core sampling cans to calculate SOC stocks. Results showed that total SOC stocks were significantly higher in floodplain forests (100.7 Mg ha⁻¹) than in upland forests (80.1 Mg ha⁻¹). However, no significant differences were observed in the vertical distribution pattern of SOC along the soil profile between the two forest types. Soil water content was generally higher in floodplain forests than in upland forests, although the difference was not statistically significant. These findings improve our understanding of SOC storage across contrasting forest types and provide a scientific basis for forest ecosystem management and climate change mitigation strategies.