ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how carbon is measured in forest soils, how these measurements might be used to monitor changes in forest soil carbon over time, and provides some estimates of the costs associated with these monitoring activities. Mineral and organic soils can be sampled by depth increments or by soil genetic horizons based on soil morphological characteristics. The depth of soil sampling is important consideration when planning a monitoring program. Soil samples from the field are sent to a laboratory for processing and preparation for analysis. If commercial couriers are used to transport samples, an inventory of samples included in each shipment should be sent by separate mailing to the laboratory to identify and prevent lost shipments. A monitoring program should begin with the development of a monitoring plan that addresses limitations to the detection of change, such as spatial, temporal, and measurement variability.
