Estimate of Organic Carbon in World Soils

Abstract

Abstract The current estimate of organic carbon in world soils, 7.1 × 10 14 kg, is based on such meager data that it must be viewed skeptically. The FAO‐UNESCO soil map and other recent soil data indicate that the amount of organic soil carbon is about 30 × 10 14 kg. This new estimate should allow more accurate portrayal of the role of soil carbon in the carbon cycle.