4. DISCUSSION
The soil OC was calculated for each individual layer using the following equations:
Soil OC stock = OC × BD × D
with OC in %, the BD in g cm-3, and sample depth (D) in cm. Soil OC stocks expressed in t C ha-1, then soil OC stock converted into g C m-2. The calculated carbon stocks have been integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) for mapping purposes. The resulting map represents the spatial distribution of carbon stocks across the study area, providing valuable insights into the variation and concentration of organic carbon in the soils of the Galite Island This carbon stock map serves as a useful tool for visualizing and analysing the potential areas of carbon sequestration, aiding in the implementation of targeted conservation and land management strategies to enhance carbon storage and mitigate climate change impacts.
Carbon stocks vary from 11 to 49 t/ha. Values close to 11 are found in areas affected by fires, while other parts of Galite show carbon stocks exceeding the forest soil norm, possibly due to the presence of a protected marine and coastal area. At a global scale, soils and forests store 3 to 4 times more carbon than the atmosphere, whether in living or dead biomass. Even relatively small positive or negative variations in these stocks can influence greenhouse gas emissions. (Figure 7)