ABSTRACT
Significant pool of carbon
is present in the biosphere as soil organic carbon (SOC). More carbon is stored
in the soils which include peatlands, wetlands and permafrost than is present
in the atmosphere. There are still controversies regarding the effects of
climate change on global soil carbon stocks. This study seeks to: assess the
effect of altitude, temperature and precipitation on the greenhouse gas
emission from soil; and to examine the correlation between soil organic carbon
and soil texture. With a total of 81 samples collected at 3 different depths (0 - 10 cm, 10 - 20 cm, 20 - 30 cm)
from 27 locations in different regions of Lagos, the relation of soil organic
carbon concentration to climate was investigated. Samples taken were analyzed
for soil organic matter, soil organic carbon (SOC), and percentage of
silt/clay/sand. The amount of carbon dioxide released was calculated.
Temperature, precipitation and altitude were also taken into consideration.
From the 27 locations topsoil had 8 locations of highest SOC contents; middle
soil had 2 locations of highest SOC contents while bottom soil had 17 locations
of highest SOC contents. SOC contents of top soil were linked with soil
texture, vegetation type, temperature, precipitation, and altitude. The study
showed that SOC increased with decrease in temperature, decrease in
precipitation, and increase in altitude. Forest, shrubs and grassland types of
vegetation, as well as soil depths also favour SOC contents. The study also
showed that increase in temperature and altitude favours greenhouse gas emission from the soil. From our
findings, SOC and climate change are greatly linked.
Share and Cite:
Alani, R. , Odunuga, S. , Andrew-Essien, N. , Appia, Y. and Muyiolu, K. (2017) Assessment of the Effects of Temperature, Precipitation and Altitude on Greenhouse Gas Emission from Soils in Lagos Metropolis.
Journal of Environmental Protection,
8, 98-107. doi:
10.4236/jep.2017.81008.