Temporal Variations in Aboveground Biomass, Nutrient Content, and Ecological Stoichiometry in Young and Middle-Aged Stands of Chinese Fir Forests

Authors

Zhiqiang Li, Central South University of Forestry and Technology
Can Mao, Central South University of Forestry and Technology
Qinxiang Wu, Central South University of Forestry and Technology
Yuanying Peng, Lewis University
Jun Wang, Central South University of Forestry and Technology
Bin Zhang, Central South University of Forestry and Technology
Sheng Zhang, Central South University of Forestry and Technology
Ziaocui Liang, Central South University of Forestry and Technology
Wende Yan, Central South University of Forestry and Technology
Xiaoyong Chen, Governors State UniversityFollow

Files

Academic Unit

College of Arts and Sciences

Publication Date

7-2024

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Understanding the ecological dynamics of forest ecosystems, particularly the influence of forest age structure on soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) content, is crucial for effective forest management and conservation. This study aimed to investigate the nutrient storage and ecological stoichiometry across different-aged stands of Chinese fir forests. Soil samples were collected from various depths (0–15 cm, 15–30 cm, and 30–45 cm) across four age groups of Chinese fir forests (8-year-old, 12-year-old, 20-year-old, and 25-year-old) in the Forest Farm, Pingjiang County, China. Soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) were measured, and their stoichiometries were calculated. The results showed that both individual tree biomass and stand biomass, along with SOC, TN, and TP content, increased with stand age, highlighting the significant importance of stand age on biomass production and nutrient accumulation in forests. Specifically, soil C and P contents significantly increased as the forest aged, while variation in N content was relatively minor. Soil C/N and C/P ratios exhibited variation corresponding to forest age, suggesting alterations in the ecological stoichiometry characteristics of the forests over time. These findings are crucial for understanding the dynamics of ecosystem functioning and nutrient cycling within Chinese fir forests and provide a solid scientific basis for the effective management and conservation of these vital forest ecosystems.

Journal Title

Plants

Volume

13

Issue

13

DOI

https://doi.org/ 10.3390/plants13131877

Recommended Citation

Li, Zhiqiang; Mao, Can; Wu, Qinxiang; Peng, Yuanying; Wang, Jun; Zhang, Bin; Zhang, Sheng; Liang, Ziaocui; Yan, Wende; and Chen, Xiaoyong, "Temporal Variations in Aboveground Biomass, Nutrient Content, and Ecological Stoichiometry in Young and Middle-Aged Stands of Chinese Fir Forests" (2024). Faculty Authors and Creators Reception. 243.
https://opus.govst.edu/fac/243