Changes in carbon stocks in biomass and soil reflect the integration of processes affecting plant growth and losses from terrestrial organic matter pools. Thus they reflect trends in ecosystem function, soil health and climate, as well as land use and management. This helps detect trends in the processes leading to and the
management of climate change, desertification/ land degradation and biodiversity loss. Change in soil organic carbon is largely influenced by anthropogenic activities, such as landuse change, and management practices that influence the productive potential of soil.