The impact of urbanization on soil organic carbon stocks and particle size and density fractions

Urbanization is a major driver of land use change and can affect the soil organic carbon (SOC) pools. This study aimed to understand urbanization impact on SOC stocks pools at profile scale (0–100 cm). The was studied 0–30 0–100 cm depths in park sealed soils three French cities (Marseille, Nancy, Nantes). Physical fractionation performed gain insight size different (particulate organo-mineral fractions). were seven ten times higher parks than soils, but lower natural according literature data. contribution first 30 stock around 40%, with strong heterogeneity, especially soils. Considering whole profile, particulate matter fractions (light fraction > 50 µm) 25–48 while mineral-associated (< only 4–6 An unexpectedly high proportion found heavy µm, particularly (11% average depth). associated sand usually poor or agricultural In these urban it might be bitumen, dense artifact. up 100 depth their heterogeneity pleaded strengthen expand studies all