(iv) Estimation of soil organic carbon (SOC): Systematic random sampling technique will be adopted to estimate SOC, using

georeferenced satellite data. The total area will be divided into grids of appropriate size and random points will be selected for each grid for sampling. The predetermined sampling points will be located to collect samples. After removing the top organic litter, samples will be collected at three layers (0 to 30 cm, 30 to 60 and 60 to 90 cm) separately. The samples will be dried and processed. Undisturbed soil clods will be then collected from each layer and preserved for determination of bulk density. Bulk density will be determined using the Clad method and the determined bulk density will be corrected for per cent coarse fractions. The corrected bulk density (mg m3) will be used for the estimation of SOC density (mg ha1) and SOC stock. The stored soil samples will be sub-sampled and ground to fine powder using an agate pestle and mortar, and sieved through 0.5 mm sieve. The SOC content in the 0.5 mm size soil samples will be estimated by following Walkley and Blacks wet oxidation method. SOC density will also be worked out for each layer in each profile (Ramachandran et al 2007)