Soil phosphorus and biomass carbon co-determine plantation soil organic carbon density: a case study in western Beijing, China

• DOI: 10.1071/sr22267
• Publication Date: 2023-08-14T23:17:46Z
• Authors: Shiqiang Wang; Yanpei Guo
• Keywords: Afforestation; Soil carbon; Carbon sink; Litter

Context Studies of afforestation have traditionally neglected the influences plant microhabitats on growth and carbon sink capacities planted forests. Aims We investigated potential mechanisms related to relationship elevation soil organic density (SOCD). Methods The three plantation ecosystems barren land soils were evaluated at two elevations in Donglingshan Mountains Beijing, with structural equation modelling variation partitioning analyses used identify environmental factors that influenced densities ecosystems. Key results Afforestation was vegetation phenology Specifically, periods higher delayed relative those lower elevations, while different affected rate diameter breast height (RDBH), addition nitrogen contents ground surface litters. Consequently, reduced capacity coniferous study area. Lower associated significantly RDBH values Pinus tabuliformis. Further, biomass (BCD) SOCD Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations due decreased elevations. Soil concentrations, litter (LND), phosphorus BCD primary drivers SOCD. Conclusions Overall, phenologies values, which further LND BCD, thereby ultimately affecting Implications This provides important insights into selection plots maximise sequestration capacities.