Relationship between Carbon Sequestration and Soil Physicochemical Parameters in Northern Campeche, Mexico

Abstract

For decades, mangroves have been exposed to various pressures, resulting in the loss of large swathes around the world. For this reason, ecological restoration actions are presented as alternatives to recover mangroves that can restore their ecosystem services while helping to mitigate climate change’s effects. Mangroves are crucial, as they capture and sequester carbon in biomass and soil, highlighting their importance in environmental conservation and in the fight against climate change. In this research, the amount of carbon sequestered in a mangrove area restored eight years ago and its relationship with soil physicochemical parameters were evaluated and compared to those of a reference forest. Soil cores were collected at a depth of 30 cm from both sites, and in situ measurements of physical chemistry were made at different depths. In addition, soil salinity, bulk density, and carbon concentration were determined. The results revealed a similar amount of carbon sequestered both in the reference forest (BR) (470.17 ± 67.14 Mg C/ha) and in the restoration area (RA) (444.53 ± 86.11 Mg C/ha) (p > 0.05). A direct relationship was observed between carbon sequestration and soil depth. In the case of the RA, a direct relationship was found between carbon sequestration and soil salinity. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that the behavior of carbon sequestration in soil is determined by the physicochemical conditions in both the BR and the RA, as well as by the presence or absence of vegetation.