Effects on Soil Organic Carbon Stock in the Context of Urban Expansion in the Andes: Quito City Case

Urban expansion significantly reduces soil organic carbon storage capacity by 66% when montane forests are replaced by Eucalyptus globulus plantations, highlighting the vulnerability of high-altitude ecosystems to urbanization. The study analyzed soil attributes—organic matter, density, texture, nitrogen, phosphorus, and pH—in a transitional forest fragment in Quito's Western Cordillera, comparing it with eucalyptus plantations and grasslands as intermediate land covers. Researchers identified 253 individuals across 18 species in the montane forest, noting significant variations in soil attributes linked to organic matter. The findings underscore the critical role of natural cover in maintaining ecosystem stability and carbon storage, advocating for urban planning strategies that prioritize conservation and restoration of peri-urban areas to mitigate climate change impacts.

Uvidia, K., Salazar-Cotugno, L., Molina, J. R., Fernandes Silva, G., & Bonilla-Bedoya, S. (2025). Effects on Soil Organic Carbon Stock in the Context of Urban Expansion in the Andes: Quito City Case. Forests, 16(9), 1409. https://doi.org/10.3390/f16091409