Effects of forest regeneration practices on the flux of soil CO2 after clear-cutting in subtropical China. (15th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Yixiang; Zhu, Xudan; Bai, Shangbin; Zhu, Tingting; Qiu, Wanting; You, Yujie; Wu, Minjuan; Berninger, Frank; Sun, Zhibin; Zhang, Hui; Zhang, Xiaohong
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 212(2018)
• Page Start: 332
• Page End: 339
• Publication Date: 2018-04-15
• Subjects: Soil CO2 flux -- Clear-cutting -- Reforestation -- Soil-atmosphere exchange -- Subtropical forest; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.02.038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: Reforestation after clear-cutting is used to facilitate rapid establishment of new stands. However, reforestation may cause additional soil disturbance by affecting soil temperature and moisture, thus potentially influencing soil respiration. Our aim was to compare the effects of different reforestation methods on soil CO2 flux after clear-cutting in a Chinese fir plantation in subtropical China: uncut (UC), clear-cut followed by coppicing regeneration without soil preparation (CC), clear-cut followed by coppicing regeneration and reforestation with soil preparation, tending in pits and replanting (CCRP ), and clear-cut followed by coppicing regeneration and reforestation with overall soil preparation, tending and replanting (CCRO ). Clear-cutting significantly increased the mean soil temperature and decreased the mean soil moisture. Compared to UC, CO2 fluxes were 19.19, 37.49 and 55.93 mg m −2 h −1 higher in CC, CCRP and CCRO, respectively ( P < 0.05). Differences in CO2 fluxes were mainly attributed to changes in soil temperature, litter mass and the mixing of organic matter with mineral soil. The results suggest that, when compared to coppicing regeneration, reforestation practices result in additional CO2 released, and that regarding the CO2 emissions, soil preparation and tending in pits is a better choice than overall soil preparation and tending. Highlights: Reforestation practices enhanced CO2 emissions from soils following clear-cutting. Soil preparation in pits emitted less soil CO2 flux than overall soil preparation. Models for soil CO2 flux were established to quantify treatment effects. Differences in soil CO2 flux were related to quantity and quality of organic matter and intensity of soil disturbed.