Current stocks and potential of carbon sequestration of the forest tree layer in Qinghai Province,China

为阐明青海省森林生态系统乔木层植被碳储量现状及其分布特征, 该研究利用240个标准样地实测的乔木数据, 估算出青海省森林生态系统不同林型处于不同龄级阶段的平均碳密度, 并结合青海省森林资源清查资料所提供的不同龄级的各林型面积, 估算了青海省森林生态系统乔木层的固碳现状、速率和潜力。结果表明: 1) 2011年青海省森林乔木层平均碳密度为76.54 Mg·hm ^-2, 总碳储量为27.38 Tg。云杉(Picea spp.)林、柏木(Cupressus funebris)林、桦木(Betula spp.)林、杨树(Populus spp.)林是青海地区的主要林型, 占青海省森林面积的96.23%, 占青海省乔木层碳储量的86.67%, 其中云杉林的碳储量(14.78 Tg)和碳密度(106.93 Mg·hm ^-2)最高。按龄级划分, 乔木层碳储量表现为过熟林>中龄林>成熟林>近熟林>幼龄林。2)青海省乔木层总碳储量从2003年的23.30 Tg增加到2011年的27.38 Tg, 年平均碳增量为0.51 Tg·a ^-1。乔木层固碳速率为1.06 Mg·hm ^-2·a ^-1, 其中柏木林的固碳速率最大(0.44 Mg·hm ^-2·a ^-1); 桦木林的固碳速率为负值(-1.06 Mg·hm ^-2·a ^-1)。3)青海省乔木层植被固碳潜力为8.50 Tg, 其中云杉林固碳潜力最高(3.40 Tg)。该研究结果表明青海省乔木层具有较大的固碳潜力, 若对现有森林资源进行合理管理和利用, 将会增加青海省森林的碳固存能力。     

Forest net primary productivity dynamics and driving forces in Jiangxi Province,China

Aims Subtropical forest ecosystem has great carbon sequestration capacity. Net primary productivity (NPP) plays a critical role in forest carbon cycle and is affected by a number of factors, including climate change, atmospheric composition, forest disturbance intensity and frequency, and forest age, etc. However, the contribution of these factors to the temporal-spatial dynamics of NPP is still not clear. Quantifying the main driving forces on the temporal-spatial dynamics of NPP for subtropical forest ecosystems is a critical foundation for understanding their carbon cycle.
Methods We utilized multi-sources dataset, including observed meteorological data, inversed annual maximum leaf area index (LAI), referenced NPP (simulated by Boreal Ecosystem Productivity Simulator (BEPS) model), forest age and forest types, land cover, digital elevation model (DEM), soil texture, CO₂ concentration and nitrogen deposition. We used the InTEC (integrated terrestrial ecosystem carbon-budget) model to simulate the NPP dynamics for forest ecosystems in Jiangxi Province during the period of 1901-2010. The effects of climate change, forest age, CO₂ concentration and nitrogen (N) deposition on forest NPP from 1970 to 2010 were discussed through designed scenarios.
Important findings (1) Validations by flux measurements and forest inventory data indicated that the InTEC model was able to capture the interannual and spatial variations of forest NPP. (2) The average forest NPP was 47.7 Tg C·a^-1 (± 4.2 Tg C·a^-1) during 1901-2010. The NPP in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s was 50.7, 48.8, 45.4, and 55.2 Tg C·a^-1, respectively. As forest regrows, NPP significantly increased for forests in Jiangxi Province in the 2000s, and exceed that in the 1970s for more than 60% of the forest area. (3) During 1970-2010, under the scenarios of disturbance and non-disturbance, the forest NPP were underestimated by 7.3 Tg C·a^-1 (14.5%) and overestimated by 3.6 Tg C·a^-1 (7.1%) compared to the scenarios of all disturbance and non-disturbance factors, respectively. Compared to the average NPP during 1970-2010, climate change decreased NPP by -2.0 Tg C·a^-1 (-4.7%), N deposition increased NPP by 4.5 Tg C·a^-1 (10.4%), CO₂ concentration change, and the integrated fertilization of CO₂ and N deposition increased NPP by 4.4 Tg C·a^-1 (10.3%) and 9.4 Tg C·a^-1 (21.8%), respectively.     

Associations between litterfall dynamics and micro-climate in forests of Putuoshan Island,Zhejiang, China

Aims Seasonal litterfall production plays an important role in the carbon and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. This study examines the effects of micro-environmental factors on seasonal litterfall dynamics in the forests of Putuoshan Island, Zhejiang Province of eastern China.
Methods The study covers five forest types, including Liquidambar formosana forest, Cinnamomum japonicum and Machilus thunbergii forest, Pinus massoniana forest, Cyclobalanopsis glauca forest, and Distylium gracile forest, in Putuoshan Island. We collected micro-meteorological data, and measured monthly litterfall in stands of the five forest types over one year. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was performed to determine the effects of micro-climatic factors on litterfall production．
Important findings The average annual litterfall production ranged from 3.45 to 5.36 t·hm^-2·a^-1 across five types of forests, albeit no effect of forest types on the litterfall production. The partitioning of litterfall components differed among the five forest types. The seasonal litterfall production exhibited two contrasting patterns, i.e. double climax curve and triple peaks, and varied significantly among the five forest types. Moreover, the peak in the litterfall production mostly occurred in the windy months of the year, such as in April, July and December, which was consistent with the dynamics of wind speed. RDA results showed that components of litterfall production in different months were controlled by different micro-climatic factors. The total, leaves, fruits, and miscellaneous litterfall productions were directly and positively affected by air temperature. Twig litterfall production was positively affected by the overstory wind velocity. Flower litterfall production was negatively affected by air humidity. In summary, forest types had no effects on litterfall production. However, variations in litterfall productions were explained by air temperature, air humidity, and overstory wind velocity in the forests studied.     

Carbon storage and its distribution of forest ecosystems in Zhejiang Province,China

Aims
The concentration of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has considerably increased over last century and is set to rise further. Forest ecosystems play a key role in reducing CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere and mitigating global climate change. Our objective is to understand carbon storage and its distribution in forest ecosystems in Zhejiang Province, China.
Methods
By using the 8th forest resource inventory data and 2011-2012 field investigation data, we estimated carbon storage, density and its distribution in forest ecosystems of Zhejiang Province.
Important findings
The carbon storage of forest ecosystems in Zhejiang Province was 602.73 Tg, of which 122.88 Tg in tree layer, 16.73 Tg in shrub-herb layer, 11.36 Tg in litter layer and 451.76 Tg in soil layer accounting for 20.39%, 2.78%, 1.88% and 74.95% of the total carbon storage, respectively. The carbon storage of mixed broadleaved forests was 138.03 Tg which ranked the largest (22.90%) among all forest types. The young and middle aged forests which accounted for 70.66% of the total carbon storage were the main body of carbon storage in Zhejiang Province. The carbon density of forest ecosystems in Zhejiang Province was 120.80 t·hm^-2 and that in tree layer, shrub-herb layer, litter layer and soil layer were 24.65 t·hm^-2, 3.36 t·hm^-2, 2.28 t·hm^-2 and 90.51 t·hm^-2, respectively. The significant relationship between soil organic carbon storage and forest ecosystem carbon storage indicated that soil carbon played an important role in shaping forest ecosystem carbon density. Carbon density of tree layer increased with age in natural forests, but decreased in the order over-mature > near-mature > mature > middle-aged > young forest in plantations. The proportions of young and middle aged forests were larger than any other age classes. Thereby, the carbon storage of forest ecosystems in Zhejiang Province could be increased through a proper forest management.     

Soil carbon storage and its determinants in the forests of Shaanxi Province,China

Aims The bank of soil carbon of forests plays an important role in the global carbon cycle. Our aim is to understand the characteristics of soil carbon storage and its determinants in the forests in Shaanxi Province.Methods The data of forest inventory in 2009 and resampling in 2011 were used to analyze the characteristics of soil carbon storage and its determinants in the forest soil in Shaanxi Province.Important findings The soil carbon storage in the forests in Shaanxi Province was 579.68 Tg. Soil carbon storage of Softwood and Hardwood forests were the highest among all forest types, accounting for 36.35% of the whole province forest soil carbon storage. The forest soil carbon storage was 4.15 times greater in the natural forest (467.17 Tg) than that in the plantations. The young and middle-aged forests were the main contributors to the total carbon storage across all age groups, accounting for about 57.30% of the total forest soil carbon storage. The average soil carbon density of forests in Shaanxi Province was 90.68 t∙hm^-2, in which the soil carbon density of Betula forests was the highest (141.74 t∙hm^-2). Soil carbon density of different forest types were gradually decreased with soil depth. In addition, it was highest in middle-aged forest. Soil carbon density was higher in the natural forest ecosystems than that in the plantations within the each age group, indicating natural forest ecosystems have higher capacity of carbon sequestration. Differences in the spatial patterns between carbon storage and density indicated that carbon storage was related to forest coverage. The soil carbon density and storage of forests in Yulin were the lowest across the province. This suggests that, in order to enhance the regional carbon sequestration capacity in this region, we need to appropriately strengthen artificial afforestation activities and manage them scientifically and rationally. The soil carbon density of forests in Shaanxi Province decreased with the increase of longitude, latitude, and annual temperature, but increased with the increase of altitude and annual rainfall. This study provides data basis for provincial estimation of forest soil carbon bank in China.     

Effects of forest gap size on initial decomposition of twig litter in the subalpine forest of western Sichuan,China

林窗调控的土壤水热环境和分解者群落结构可能深刻影响凋落物分解过程, 已有的研究结果具有不确定性。为了解高海拔森林林窗面积对凋落枝分解的影响, 采用凋落物分解袋法, 于2012-2016年冬季和生长季节, 研究了川西亚高山森林255-290 m ²(FG1)、153-176 m ²(FG2)、38-46 m ²(FG3) 3种面积林窗和林下对岷江冷杉(Abies faxoniana)凋落枝质量损失的影响。结果显示: 林窗面积大小显著改变了林窗和林下的雪被厚度、温度和冻融循环频次; 雪被厚度和温度以FG1林窗最高, 林下最低; FG1、FG2、FG3林窗和林下枝条分解4年后的质量残留率分别为59.9%、59.5%、62.1%和55.3%, 分解系数k值分别为0.127、0.131、0.120和0.135, 95%分解时间分别为23.6、22.7、25.0和22.2 a; 与林下相比, 林窗显著增加了第一年和第二年生长季节的质量损失速率, 降低了第一年和第四年冬季的枝条质量损失速率; 林窗大小对质量损失速率的影响随分解时期变化差异明显, 质量损失速率在第一年和第三年冬季随林窗面积增大而增大, 在第三年生长季节随林窗面积增大而降低; 枝条质量损失的比例在第一年最高, 随林窗面积增加而增加, 且冬季高于生长季节。综上所述, 林窗环境变化深刻影响亚高山森林凋落枝分解, 但这种影响随林窗面积和分解时间有所差异。     

Carbon storage and potentials of the broad-leaved forest in alpine region of the Qinghai- Xizang Plateau,China

Aims
Our objective was to explore the vegetation carbon storages and their variations in the broad-leaved forests in the alpine region of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau that includes Qinghai Province and Xizang Autonomous Region.
Methods
Based on forest resource inventory data and field sampling, this paper studied the carbon storage, its sequestration rate, and the potentials in the broad-leaved forests in the alpine region of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.
Important findings
The vegetation carbon storage in the broad-leaved forest accounted for 310.70 Tg in 2011, with the highest value in the broad-leaved mixed forest and the lowest in Populus forest among the six broad-leaved forests that include Quercus, Betula, Populus, other hard broad-leaved species, other soft broad-leaved species, and the broadleaved mixed forest. The carbon density of the broad-leaved forest was 89.04 Mg·hm^-2, with the highest value in other hard broad-leaved species forest and the lowest in other soft broad-leaved species forest. The carbon storage and carbon density in different layers of the forests followed a sequence of overstory layer > understory layer > litter layer > grass layer > dead wood layer, which all increased with forest age. In addition, the carbon storage of broad-leaved forest increased from 304.26 Tg in 2001 to 310.70 Tg in 2011. The mean annual carbon sequestration and its rate were 0.64 Tg·a^-1 and 0.19 Mg·hm^-2·a^-1, respectively. The maximum and minimum of the carbon sequestration rate were respectively found in other soft broad-leaved species forest and other hard broad-leaved species forest, with the highest value in the mature forest and the lowest in the young forest. Moreover, the carbon sequestration potential in the tree layer of broad-leaved forest reached 19.09 Mg·hm^-2 in 2011, with the highest value found in Quercus forest and the lowest in Betula forest. The carbon storage increased gradually during three inventory periods, indicating that the broad-leaved forest was well protected to maintain a healthy growth by the forest protection project of Qinghai Province and Xizang Autonomous Region.     

Greenhouse gas fluxes of typical northern subtropical forest soils: Impacts of land use change and reduced precipitation

Aims It is important to study the effects of land use change and reduced precipitation on greenhouse gas fluxes (CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O) of forest soils. Methods The fluxes of CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O and their responses to environmental factors of primary forest soil, secondary forest soil and artificial forest soil under a reduced precipitation regime were explored using the static chamber and gas chromatography methods during the period from January to December in 2014. Important findings Results indicate that CH₄ uptake of primary forest soil ((-44.43 ± 8.73) μg C·m^-2·h^-1) was significantly higher than that of the secondary forest soil ((-21.64 ± 4.86) μg C·m^-2·h^-1) and the artificial forest soil ((-10.52 ± 2.11) μg C·m^-2·h^-1). CH₄ uptake of the secondary forest soil ((-21.64 ± 4.86) μg C·m^-2·h^-1) was significantly higher than that of the artificial forest ((-10.52 ± 2.11) μg C·m^-2·h^-1). CO₂ emissions of the artificial forest soil ((106.53 ± 19.33) μg C·m^-2·h^-1) were significantly higher than that of the primary forest soil ((49.50 ± 8.16) μg C·m^-2·h^-1) and the secondary forest soil ((63.50 ± 5.35) μg C·m^-2·h^-1) (p < 0.01). N₂O emissions of the secondary forest soil ((1.91 ± 1.22) μg N·m^-2·h^-1) were higher than that of the primary forest soil ((1.40 ± 0.28) μg N·m^-2·h^-1) and the artificial forest soil ((1.01 ± 0.86) μg N·m^-2·h^-1). Reduced precipitation (-50%) had a significant inhibitory effect on CH₄ uptake of the artificial forest soil, while it enhanced CO₂ emissions of the primary forest soil and the secondary forest soil. Reduced precipitation had a significant inhibitory effect on CO₂ emissions of the artificial forest soil and N₂O emissions of the secondary forest (p < 0.01). Reduced precipitation promotes N₂O emissions of the primary forest soil and the artificial forest soil. CH₄ uptake of the primary forest and the secondary forest soil increased significantly with the increase of soil temperature under natural and reduced precipitation. CO₂ and N₂O emission fluxes of the primary forest soil, secondary forest soil and artificial forest soil were positively correlated with soil temperature (p < 0.05). Soil moisture inhibited CH₄ uptake of the secondary forest soil and the artificial forest soil (p < 0.05). CO₂ emissions of the primary forest soil were significantly positively correlated with soil moisture (p < 0.05). N₂O emissions of primary forest soil and secondary forest soil were significantly correlated with the nitrate nitrogen content (p < 0.05). It was implied that reduced precipitation and land use change would have significant effects on greenhouse gas emissions of subtropical forest soils.     

C:N:P stoichiometry in forest floor litter of evergreen broad-leaved forests at different successional stages in Tiantong,Zhejiang, eastern China

地表凋落物在森林物质循环中起着重要作用, 但是目前缺乏对其不同分解层次中碳(C)、氮(N)、磷(P)演替动态的研究。该文以浙江天童常绿阔叶林为研究对象, 用空间代替时间序列的方法, 通过测定5个演替阶段地表凋落物不同分解层次的凋落物量、有机碳库和氮磷养分库的储量及C:N:P化学计量特征, 探讨地表凋落物特征的演替动态。结果表明: 1)随着演替的进行, 地表凋落物量和有机碳储量呈现下降的趋势。2)在各演替阶段, 有机碳含量在各分解层表现出未分解层(L) > 半分解层(F) > 已分解层(Y)的趋势; 有机碳储量均表现为Y < F。3)演替前期群落氮含量和储量显著低于演替中后期群落; 不同分解层的氮含量在各演替阶段皆表现为: Y > F > L, 且各层氮含量随着演替的进行均趋于升高。4)磷含量在演替中期群落最低, 各演替阶段不同分解层的磷含量皆表现为Y > F > L。磷储量的演替趋势不明显。L层磷储量随着演替进行趋于降低。5)随着演替进行, 凋落物C:N、C:P和N:P皆趋于下降(p < 0.05)。在各分解层之间, C:N和C:P皆表现为Y < F < L, N:P差异不显著。总之, 随着演替进行, 天童常绿阔叶林地表凋落物量降低, 有机碳库及氮磷养分库的含量趋于升高, 储量趋向降低, C:N:P趋于下降, 体现了生态系统碳和养分循环随着演替进行在不断优化。     

Spatial pattern of soil organic carbon of the main forest soils and its influencing factors in Guangxi,China

Aims
Our objectives were to study the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) density and its influencing factors in the main forest ecosystems in Guangxi.
Methods
A total of 345 sample plots were established in Guangxi, and the size of each plot was 50 m × 20 m. Based on the forest resource inventory data and field investigation, the SOC storage of the main forests in Guangxi was estimated. Geostatistics was applied to analyze the spatial pattern of SOC density and the main influencing factors on SOC density were also explored by principal component analysis and stepwise regression.
Important findings
The total SOC storage in the main forests in Guangxi was 1686.88 Tg, and the mean SOC density was 124.70 Mg·hm^-2, which is lower than that of China. The best fitted semivariogram model of SOC density was exponential model, and the spatial autocorrelation was medium. The contour map based on Kriging indicated that northeastern Guangxi had high SOC density and northwestern Guangxi had low SOC density, which corresponded to high SOC density in non-karst region and low SOC density in karst region. The SOC density followed the sequence of bamboo forest > deciduous broadleaf forest > warm coniferous forest > mixed evergreen and deciduous broadleaf forest > evergreen broadleaf forest, and yellow soil > red soil > lateritic red soil > limestone soil. The dominant environment factors affecting SOC density included soil depth, longitude, latitude, and altitude. Soil depth was the most influential factor, which was mainly attributed to the karst landscape.     

Spatial variation and controlling factors of temperature sensitivity of soil respiration in forest ecosystems across China

土壤呼吸的温度敏感性(Q₁₀)是陆地碳循环与气候系统间相互作用的关键参数。尽管已有大量关于不同类型森林Q₁₀季节和年际变化规律的研究, 但是对Q₁₀在区域尺度的空间变异特征及其影响因素仍认识不足, 已有结果缺乏一致结论。该研究通过整合已发表论文, 构建了中国森林生态系统年尺度Q₁₀数据集, 共包含399条记录、5种森林类型(落叶阔叶林(DBF)、落叶针叶林(DNF)、常绿阔叶林(EBF)、常绿针叶林(ENF)、混交林(MF))。分析了不同森林类型Q₁₀的空间变异特征及其与地理、气候和土壤因素的关系。结果显示, 1) Q₁₀介于1.09到6.24之间, 平均值(±标准误差)为2.37 (± 0.04), 且在不同森林类型之间无显著差异; 2)当考虑所有森林类型时, Q₁₀随纬度、海拔、土壤有机碳含量(SOC)和土壤全氮含量(TN)的增加而增大, 随经度、年平均气温(MAT)、平均年降水量(MAP)的增加而减小。气候(MAT、MAP)和土壤(SOC、TN)因素间存在相互作用, 共同解释了33%的Q₁₀空间变异, 其中MAT和SOC是Q₁₀空间变异的主要驱动因素; 3)不同类型森林Q₁₀对气候和土壤因素的响应存在差异。在DNF中Q₁₀随MAP的增加而减小, 而其他类型森林中Q₁₀与MAP无显著相关性; 在EBF、DBF、ENF中Q₁₀随TN的增加而增大, 但Q₁₀对TN的敏感性在EBF中最高, 在ENF中最低。这些结果表明, 尽管Q₁₀有一定的集中分布趋势, 但仍有较大范围的空间变异, 在进行碳收支估算时应注意尺度问题。Q₁₀的主要驱动因素和Q₁₀对环境因素的响应随森林类型而变化, 在气候变化情景下, 不同森林类型间Q₁₀可能发生分异。因此, 未来的碳循环-气候模型还应考虑不同类型森林碳循环关键参数对气候变化的响应差异。     

青海省森林土壤磷储量及其分布格局

磷(P)是地球生态系统中重要的生命元素。全球变化背景下, 科学地探究森林土壤磷储量现状及其影响因子, 对陆地生态系统的稳定以及磷的可持续利用具有重要意义。因此, 该研究利用青海省240个森林标准样地土壤实测数据, 并结合青海省森林资源清查资料估算出了青海省森林土壤磷储量, 揭示了其分布格局, 并讨论了土壤磷储量与环境因子的关系。结果表明: (1)青海省森林土壤磷储量为1.74 Tg, 全省1 m深土壤平均磷密度为4.65 Mg·hm ^-2, 土壤磷密度总体上呈地带性分布。(2)土壤磷密度在中低海拔(2 200-3 000 m)区域随海拔的升高显著减小, 在高海拔(3 300-3 900 m)区域随海拔高度的增加而显著变大。山地灰褐色森林土的磷密度最大且显著大于山地棕色暗针叶林土和山地暗褐土。(3)土壤磷含量随海拔升高显著减小, 山地棕色暗针叶林土各土层磷含量相对较大, 山地暗褐土的磷含量最小, 且土壤磷含量随着土层的加深而减小。(4)海拔、温度、土壤类型以及土壤含水量均对土壤磷含量有直接影响, 且影响较大, 其中海拔和温度是影响土壤磷含量变化的关键因子; 土壤磷密度对土壤容重、土壤磷含量、土壤含水量、海拔、土壤类型的变化响应较为明显, 而土壤容重可能是限制土壤磷密度变化的主导因素。     

海南岛热带低地雨林刀耕火种弃耕地自然恢复过程中的群落构建

研究群落构建机制是群落生态学的一个重要目标, 群落动态过程中的构建规律对于了解群落演替机理有重要的作用。该文以海南岛刀耕火种干扰后自然恢复的10 hm ²热带低地雨林为研究对象, 通过比较不同恢复阶段的次生林(15年、30年和60年)和老龄林在幼苗、幼树和成年树群落的物种组成, 揭示次生演替过程中的群落构建规律。研究结果表明, 老龄林中不同径级群落的物种多样性及不同径级间的物种相似度显著高于各恢复阶段的次生林, 但优势种在群落中的比例低于各恢复阶段的次生林。随着自然恢复过程的进行, 次生林群落物种组成与老龄林的相似性也逐渐增大, 支持演替平衡理论。所有恢复阶段样地中幼苗的个体、物种丰富度和基于多度涵盖估计量(ACE)都低于幼树和成年树群落, 幼苗层物种组成与幼树、成年树也有较大差异, 说明新增到幼苗群落可能是一个难于预测的过程。研究结果说明了确定过程和随机过程共同决定了次生演替的群落构建。     

Characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry across components of forest ecosystem in Shaanxi Province

Aims Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stoichiometry between vegetation, litter, and soil were important for understanding biogeochemical cycles in terrestrial ecosystems, but remain poorly understood. Here, our aims were to study characteristics of N and P stoichiometry for the plant, litter, and soil and the interactions between its components across forest ecosystems in Shaanxi Province.Methods A total of 121 sampling sites, covering the most main forest types in Shaanxi, were established across the whole province in 2012. And N and P concentration of vegetation (tree and understory), litter and soil layers were measured for each site.Important findings 1) There were significant differences in the N and P stoichiometry among the forest ecosystem components (p < 0.05). N and P contents were higher in understory and litter layer, and lower in tree and soil. Whereas the N:P was slightly different, highest in litter and lowest in the soil layer, with little differences among remaining components. The contents of N, P and N:P ranged from 0.72 to11.99 mg·g^-1, 0.47 to 1.07 mg·g^-1, and 1.86 to 14.84, respectively. Within top 1 m soil layer N content and N:P decreased with soil depth (p < 0.05), however the P content did not exhibit significant changes. 2) N and P contents, and N:P of each component were higher in broadleaf forest than in coniferous forest, although the difference is not significant. 3) N was positively correlated with P content except for soil and N:P was negatively correlated with P content, but positively correlated with N content within each component. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation for N and P stoichiometric characteristics between litter layer and tree, herb, soil layer. 4) Although spatial pattern of N and P contents, and N:P differed in relation to longitude, latitude, and elevation for forest ecosystem components, a stable distribution was exhibited in general.     

Plant diversity and seasonal dynamics in forest gaps of varying sizes in Pinus massoniana plantations

人工林目前存在结构单一、土壤退化、生物多样性降低等人类普遍关注的生态问题。马尾松(Pinus massoniana)是长江上游低山丘陵区退耕还林的主要人工林树种。研究采伐林窗对植物物种组成和更新的影响, 对马尾松低效人工林的改造, 提升其生态服务功能具有重要的意义。该文以采伐39年生的马尾松人工林形成的7种不同大小的林窗为研究对象, 分析了不同季节林窗内的植物生活型组成及多样性变化。结果表明: 1)马尾松人工林林下植物以高位芽植物居多, 其次是地面、地下芽植物, 一年生植物较少而缺少地上芽植物。在林窗形成初期, 林窗的高位芽植物比例明显低于林下, 大林窗的高位芽植物比例稍高于小林窗, 地下芽和一年生植物的比例低于小林窗。2)林下的物种丰富度和物种多样性指数显著低于大林窗。不同林窗下植物的丰富度指数、优势度指数、多样性指数也存在显著差异。3)夏季林窗下植物多样性最高, 其次是秋季, 春季多样性最低。1225-1600 m²的大林窗能够促进马尾松人工林植物多样性恢复和植被更新。     

Current forest carbon stocks and carbon sequestration potential in Anhui Province,China

Aims
This study was conducted to investigate carbon stocks in forest ecosystems of different stand ages in Anhui Province, and to identify the carbon sequestration potential of climax forests controlled by the natural environment conditions.
Methods
Data were collected based on field investigations and simulations were made with the BIOME4 carbon cycle model.
Important findings
Currently, the total forest carbon stocks in Anhui Province amounts to 714.5 Tg C: 402.1 Tg C in vegetation and 312.4 Tg C in soil. Generally, both the total and vegetation carbon density exhibit an increasing trend with the natural growth of forest stands. Soil carbon density increases from young to near mature forests, and then gradually decreases thereafter. Young and middle-aged forests account for 75% of the total forest area in Anhui Province, with potentially an additional 125.4 Tg C to be gained after the young and middle-aged forests reach near mature stage. Results of BIOME4 simulations show that potentially an additional 245.7 Tg C, including 153.7 Tg C in vegetation and 92 Tg C in soil, could be gained if the current forests are transformed into climax forest ecosystems in Anhui Province.     

Aims

Forest microclimate is the local environment generated through the interaction between regional climate and forest structure. Studies on forest microclimate not only have theoretical significances in ecology but also practical meanings in forest management practices and wood production. Radiation budget and energy balance is the basis for microclimate. Few studies have performed the radiatoin budget and energy balance analysis at regional scale. Here, we focused at this for the East Asia.     

Relationships between carbon and nitrogen contents and enzyme activities in soil of three typical subtropical forests in China

森林类型更替是影响生态系统有机质循环的重要因素, 它对森林生态系统的生产力、碳吸存和养分保持功能有影响。然而关于中亚热带不同森林类型对土壤碳氮含量和酶活性的影响及土壤碳氮含量和酶活性之间的关系鲜有报道。该文研究了福建省三明市3种典型亚热带森林——米槠(Castanopsis carlesii)天然次生林(SF)、米槠人工促进天然更新林(AR)、马尾松(Pinus massoniana)人工林(PM)的淋溶层(A层)土壤碳氮含量和土壤微生物酶活性的关系。结果表明: 在3种森林类型表层土壤中, 可溶性有机质中可溶性有机碳、可溶性有机氮(DON)、荧光发射光谱腐殖化指数的趋势均为SF > AR > PM, 芳香化指数大小为PM > AR > SF; SF和AR的NH₄ ⁺-N显著高于PM, NO₃ ^--N在3种林分中的含量低且差异不明显, 造成这种差异的原因是树种差异和人为干扰程度不同。PM的β-葡萄糖苷酶活性显著低于SF和AR; 纤维素水解酶活性大小为AR > SF > PM; PM多酚氧化酶显著高于SF和AR, 3种林分过氧化物酶无显著差异。AR的β-N-乙酰氨基葡萄糖苷酶(NAG)显著高于其他两种林分。冗余分析显示土壤总氮和DON是驱动淋溶层土壤酶活性的主要环境因子。总之, 土壤总氮含量与NAG活性呈正相关关系, 并且可溶性有机氮可能是氮循环中的重要一环; 土壤微生物优先利用易分解碳; 且碳氮养分循环之间存在一定的耦合关系。氮提高了与土壤碳相关的水解酶活性, 从而可促进碳周转。     

Current stocks and rate of sequestration of forest carbon in Gansu Province,China

Aims
Carbon sequestration is the basic function and most primary service of forest ecosystems, and plays a vital role in mitigating the global climate change. However, carbon storage and allocation in forest ecosystems have been less studied at regional scales than at forest stand levels, and the results are subject to uncertainty due to inconsistent methodologies. In this study we aim to obtain relatively accurate estimates of forest carbon stocks and sequestration rate at a provincial scale (regional) based on plot surveys of plants and soils.
Methods
In consideration of the areas and distributions of major forest types, 212 sampling plots, covering different age classes and origins (natural forests vs. planted forests), were surveyed in Gansu Province in northern China. Field investigations were conducted for vegetation layers (trees, shrubs, herbs and litter), soil profiles, and sampling of both plant materials and soils for laboratory analyses. Regional carbon stocks were calculated by up-scaling the carbon densities of all forest types with their corresponding areas. Carbon sequestration rate was estimated by referencing the reports of national forest inventory data for different periods.
Important findings Forest carbon stocks at the provincial scale were estimated at 612.43 Tg C, including 179.04 Tg C in biomass and 433.39 Tg C in soil organic materials. Specifically, natural forests stored 501.42 Tg C, approximately 4.52 times than that of the plantations. Biomass carbon density in both natural forests and plantations showed an increasing trend with stand age classes, and was greater in natural forests than in plantations within the same age classes. Soil carbon density also increased with stand age classes in natural forests, but the highest value occurred at the pre-mature stage in plantations. The weighted average of regional biomass carbon density was at 72.43 Mg C·hm^-2, with the average value of 90.52 Mg C·hm^-2 in natural forests and 33.79 Mg C·hm^-2 in plantations, respectively. In 1996, vegetation stored 132.47 Tg C in natural forests and 12.81 Tg C in plantations, respectively, and the values increased to 152.41 and 26.63 Tg C in 2011, with the mean carbon sequestration rates of 1.33 and 0.92 Tg C·a^-1. Given that young and middle-aged forests account for a large proportion (62.28%) of the total forest areas, the region is expected to have substantial potential of carbon sequestration.     

Traits of shrubs in forests and bushes reveal different life strategies

灌木是森林和灌丛生态系统的重要组成部分, 探究森林与灌丛灌木功能性状的差异, 可揭示灌木在不同生境的适应策略。该研究以金华北山森林群落林下灌木层、低山灌丛和山顶灌丛共24个样地中的优势灌木为研究对象, 分析叶片和小枝9个功能性状在3种生境下的总体差异, 以及种间、种内变异和不同生活型的差异。结果表明: 1) 9个性状在3种不同生境下存在差异。林下灌木具有较大的叶面积和比叶面积, 较小的叶干物质含量、叶和小枝的组织密度, 低山灌丛相较于山顶灌丛具有较大的叶厚度、叶组织密度和较小的比叶面积、小枝干物质含量。2)林下灌木的比叶面积、小枝直径、小枝组织密度和小枝干物质含量的种内种间变异系数最大, 低山灌丛的比叶面积、叶和小枝的干物质含量、叶和小枝的组织密度的种内种间变异系数最小。3)不同生活型间, 林下常绿灌木的叶厚度、叶组织密度、叶干物质含量显著高于落叶灌木, 落叶灌木的比叶面积显著高于常绿灌木, 而山顶灌丛叶厚度和比叶面积的差异规律与林下灌木相同, 叶组织密度和叶干物质含量的差异与其相反。4)影响灌木性状的主要因素是物种以及物种和生境的交互作用。总之, 森林群落林下灌木形成较大叶面积和比叶面积, 较小叶和小枝组织密度、叶干物质含量的性状组合, 以快速生长而适应光照较弱、竞争作用强的林下环境, 是资源获取型策略; 低山灌丛和山顶灌丛具有较大叶厚度、组织密度、干物质含量和小枝组织密度和较小叶面积、比叶面积等一系列储存养分、慢速生长的性状组合, 属于资源保守型策略。灌木植物性状的不同组合及其所反映的不同生活策略, 对亚热带地区退化植被的生态恢复具有指导意义。