The CO2–C emissions at the ACS site decreased 1.93 Mg CO2–C ha−1 year−1 when compared to the FS system. An
overall trend of lower labile C was recorded up to 40 cm depth in the FS system (36% less). The ACS provided continuous
input of labile organic matter fractions to the soil by litterfall contributing to a continued incorporation of
soil C. The results indicated that CO2–C emission, soil temperature, metabolic quotient, C/N ratio, labile and soluble
C were the most important soil quality indicators, reflecting the general biological properties of the soil.