Carbon Sequestration Potential of Cropland at Different Doses of Composts in Southern Togo

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the carbon sequestration potential of cropland amended at different doses of solid household waste compost. Field experiments were conducted during four cropping seasons alternating maize and tomato. Soil samples were collected on experimental plots in 20 cm depth for soil organic carbon content determination using wet oxidation method while bulk density was measured by the core method (volumetric cylinder method) with undisturbed soil samples taken in 0 - 20 cm with steel cylinder of 100 cm3. Carbon sequestration potential varied with carbon content, bulk density and soil depth. The results shown that amount of carbon sequestered under maize cultivation (0.035±0.03 to 0.191±0.03 t C ha-1) was higher than those recorded under tomato growing areas (0.016±0.03 to 0.164±0.02 t C ha-1). Carbon sequestration rates ranged from 0.105±0.01 to 0.573±0.01 t C ha-1 yr-1 under maize cultivation and from 0.048±0.02 to 0.492±0.03 t C ha-1 yr-1 under tomato growing. It is able to conclude that household waste compost application contributes to increase carbon accumulation in soil.