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The resolution of the Kyoto Protocol to include effects of land use and land-use change in global carbon budgets has put focus on C sequestration following afforestation of former arable land. Carbon is sequestered in the aggrading biomass of the new forests, but the question remains, to what extent the former arable soils will contribute as sinks for CO₂. The present study explored changes in soil C stores following afforestation of former arable land with oak (Quercus robur L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.). Seven stands of each tree species on nutrient-rich soils made up a chronosequence ranging from 1 to 29 years. An adjacent ∼200-year-old mixed deciduous plantation was included to give information on the possible long term changes in soil C. Soil sampling included organic layers and three layers of the mineral soil to a depth of 25cm. Development of forest floors sequestered most C in spruce …