Analysis of Soil Carbon Content Variation in Four Different Land Use Types in West Lombok

Baiq Dewi Alya Nilyana Putri
Lalu Arifin Aria Bakti (University of Mataram)
Zaenal Arifin (University of Mataram)
Muhammad Zaki (UiTM Malaysia)

Journal of Biology, Environment, and Edu-Tourism
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): August

Soil plays a vital role as a natural sink for atmospheric carbon emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation. This study aimed to analyze soil carbon content across four different land use types-conservation forest, mangrove forest, mixed garden, and paddy field-in West Lombok District, and to assess its relationship with soil physical properties. A descriptive survey method was employed, with soil sampling conducted at depths of 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm across 24 plots. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and correlation tests. The results revealed significant variation in soil carbon content among land use types, with conservation forest exhibiting the highest value (4,010 tons/ha), followed by paddy field (3,894 tons/ha), mixed garden (2,694 tons/ha), and mangrove forest (1,184 tons/ha). Soil bulk density (BV) showed a strong positive correlation with carbon content, while porosity was negatively correlated. These findings suggest that land use and soil structure significantly influence soil carbon storage. Conservation forests, with higher organic input and minimal disturbance, are the most effective in sequestering carbon. This study highlights the importance of sustainable land use planning in enhancing soil carbon sequestration as a climate mitigation strategy.