The carbon content of topsoil and its geographical distribution in France

Abstract. An estimate of organic carbon stored in French soils to a depth of 30 cm was made using data from geo‐referenced databases. We produced statistics on carbon stocks in soils according to land use, different land uses and soil type. Then, using a combination of maps of soil and land use we were able to estimate regional and national carbon stocks. This soil carbon map of France allowed us to identify the main controlling factors of the carbon distribution: land use, soil type in some cases, clay content, and elevation. Carbon stocks in French soils were found to be about 3.1 Pg (10 15 g).