Spatial Variability of Soil Organic Carbon in Agroforestry Systems Using Geostatistical Approaches

Abstract

This study assessed spatial patterns of soil organic carbon (SOC) in mixed tree-crop agroforestry systems using geostatistics. Soil samples from three land use systems (agroforestry, monocrop, and fallow) were collected across a 50 ha site in Kenya. SOC content was mapped using ordinary kriging to evaluate spatial variability.
Agroforestry plots had 35–60% higher SOC than monocrops, with significant spatial dependence influenced by tree canopy cover and litter input. Variogram analysis revealed optimal sampling distances for monitoring. The findings support agroforestry’s role in enhancing soil health and guiding site-specific management.