Simulation models are useful tools for assessment of the impacts of agriculture on nutrient and soil organic C (SOC) dynamics. Results of simulation studies can be applied to develop sustainable agricultural systems. This study simulated SOC in clayey Humic Hapludox with Century model (version 4.0) in a subtropical climate, with support from historical soil and land-use surveys; GIS and remote sensing techniques. Major reductions in SOC stocks were observed after land under native vegetation was converted to agricultural use, especially under annual crops managed under conventional tillage. Simulations of these soils under current management to the year 2058 showed that soils under conservation systems (especially no tillage) can recover and in some cases even exceed the original SOC stocks under native vegetation.
land use change; native vegetation; soil C; Century Model
