The soil type, vegetation, and climate all affect how carbon is stored. For example, colder and wetter climates promote the most effective carbon storage in soil.
Wetlands are substantial reservoirs of carbon. Despite occupying only 5-8% of the Earth’s land surface, they hold between 20 to 30% of all estimated organic soil carbon.
| Global Carbon Storage* (Tonnes of carbon per hectare) | Vegetation | Soil |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands | 43 | 643 |
| Boreal forests | 64 | 344 |
| Temperate grasslands | 7 | 236 |
| Tundra | 6 | 127 |
| Tropical forests | 120 | 123 |
| Tropical savannas | 29 | 117 |
| Temperate forests | 57 | 96 |
| Croplands | 2 | 80 |
| Deserts and semideserts | 2 | 42 |
