Other reports in this collection 2.5.1.1.2. The relationship between land cover and SOC storage is briefly discussed below, with more detailed discussion in Section 4.2.2 .
Forests are distinct in that they develop an organic layer above the mineral soil.
Up to 80 percent of the total carbon and nitrogen content of the soil can be contained in macroaggregates, where it is partly protected from microbial action and thus more securely stored. Chapter 4 provides more detail on the sustainable development impacts of changes in agricultural practices. If soil carbon pools were not included in the list of carbon stocks, there would be no incentive to maximize carbon storage in this important reservoir. Soil cultivation, for example, could be exercised to stimulate forest growth even though it could reduce soil carbon storage and thus lower total overall site carbon storage. Inclusion of all on-site carbon stocks for carbon accounting purposes would ensure that management options will have to consider effects on all of these pools.