Impacts of mixed litter decomposition from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Robinia pseudoacacia</Emphasis> and other tree species on C loss and nutrient release in the Loess Plateau of China

The productivity of Robinia pseudoacacia (R.p.) pure forest usually declines at the late growth stage, and reforming it into mixed forests could be a promising way to resolve this problem. When choosing a suitable tree species that can be mixed with R.p., the interspecific relationship is an important issue. Therefore, we gathered the autumn litter fall from R.p. and 10 other species from the Loess Plateau of China were mixed in dual species litterbags (R.p. + each other species) and buried them in soil for a 345 days lab decay incubation. We measured the litter mass loss and nutrient contents to determine whether the nutrient release was affected by mixed species litter decomposition. The impacts of mixed litter decomposition on macro-elements release were more obvious than on micro-elements. The litters with similar substrate quality might show variable impacts on nutrients release in mixed decomposition. The C loss and release of nutrient was improved by descending order when R.p. litter was mixed with Hippophae rhamnoides, Ulmus pumila, Populus simonii, Larix principis-rupprechtii and Quercus liaotungensis (Q.l.). But, except for Q.l., only the other species were recommended as suitable mix-plants for R.p. since promoting a high turnover of the nutrient in the litter compartment and a rapid availability for tree.     

A comparison of decomposition dynamics among green tree leaves,partially decomposed tree leaf litter and their mixture in a warm temperate forest ecosystem

Decomposition dynamics were compared among green tree leaves, partially decomposed tree leaf litter (i.e., decayed tree leaf litter on forest floor) and a mixture of the two in a warm temperate forest ecosystem in central China to test the influence of litter chemical quality on the degree of decomposition. The study was conducted in situ at two contrasting forest sites, an oak forest dominated by Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata Maxim., and a mixed pine and oak forest dominated by Pinus armandii Franch. and Q. aliena var. acuteserrata. We found marked differences in the rate of decomposition among litter types at both forest sites; the litter decomposition constant, k, was about 39 % greater at the oak forest site and more than 70 % greater at the pine-oak forest site, for green leaves than for partially decomposed leaf litter. The decomposition dynamics and temporal changes in litter chemistry of the three litter types also greatly differed between the two forest sites. At both forest sites, the higher rate of decomposition for the green leaves was associated with a higher nitrogen (N) content and lower carbon to N ratio (C/N) and acid-unhydrolyzable residue to N ratio (AUR/N). We did not find any non-additive effects when mixing green leaves and partially decomposed leaf litter. Our findings support the contention that litter chemical quality is one of the most important determinants of litter decomposition in forest ecosystems at the local or regional scale, but the effect of litter chemical quality on decomposition differs between the contrasting forest types and may vary with the stage of decomposition.     

Decomposition of Mongolian pine litter in the presence of understory species in semi-arid northeast China

The effects of understory plant litter on dominant tree litter decomposition are not well documented especially in semi-arid forests. In this study, we used a microcosm experiment to examine the effects of two understory species (Artemisia scoparia and Setaria viridis) litter on the mass loss and N release of Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) litter in Keerqin Sandy Lands, northeast China, and identified the influencing mechanism from the chemical quality of decomposing litter. Four litter combinations were set up: one monoculture of Mongolian pine and three mixtures of Mongolian pine and one or two understory species in equal mass proportions of each species. Total C, total N, lignin, cellulose and polyphenol concentrations, and mass loss of pine litter were analyzed at days 84 and 182 of incubation. The chemistry of pine litter not only changed with the stages of decomposition, but was also strongly influenced by the presence of understory species during decomposition. Both understory species promoted mass loss of pine litter at 84 days, while only the simultaneous presence of two understory species promoted mass loss of pine litter at 182 days. Mass loss of pine litter was negatively correlated with initial ratios of C/N, lignin/N and polyphenol/N of litter combinations during the entire incubation period; at 182 days it was negatively correlated with polyphenol concentration and ratios of C/N and polyphenol/N of litter combinations at 84 days of incubation. Nitrogen release of pine litter was promoted in the presence of understory species. Nitrogen release at 84 days was negatively correlated with initial N concentration; at 182 days it was negatively correlated with initial polyphenol concentration of litter combinations and positively correlated with lignin concentration of litter combinations at 84 days of incubation. Our results suggest that the presence of understory species causes substantial changes in chemical components of pine litter that can exert strong influences on subsequent decomposition of pine litter.     

Response of nitrogen mineralization dynamics and biochemical properties to litter amendments to soils of a poplar plantation

Understanding the impact of plant litters on soil nitrogen(N) dynamics could facilitate development of management strategies that promote plantation ecosystem function.Our objective was to evaluate the effects of different litter types on N mineralization and availability,microbial biomass, and activities of L-asparaginase and odiphenol oxidase(o-DPO) in soils of a poplar(Populus deltoides) plantation through 24 weeks of incubation experiments.The tested litters included foliage(F), branch(B), or root(R) of poplar trees, and understory vegetation(U) or a mixture of F, B, and U(M).Litter amendments led to rapid N immobilization during the first 4 weeks of incubation, while net N mineralization was detected in all tested soils from 6 to 24 weeks of incubation, with zeroorder reaction rate constants(k) ranging from 7.7 to9.6 mg N released kg~(-1) soil wk~(-1).Moreover, litter addition led to increased microbial biomass carbon(C) 49–128% and increased MBC:MBN ratio by 5–92%,strengthened activities of L-asparaginase and o-DPO by14–74%; Up to about 37 kg N ha~(-1) net increase in mineralized N in litter added soils during 24 weeks of incubation suggests that adequate poplar and understory litter management could lead to reduced inputs while facilitate sustainable and economic viable plantation production.     

Assaying the allelopathic effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus camaldulensis</Emphasis> in a nursery bed incorporated with leaf litter

Allelopathic effects of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. were confirmed in Petri dish and pot experiments in our previous studies. However, the degree to which such effects under controlled experiments exist in more complex ecological settings remains to be tested. Thus, the present study was carried out by incorporating different proportions of ground litter of E. camaldulensis in soil. The growth of three agricultural crops: falen (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), and arhor (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.), and two tree species, kala koroi (Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth.) and ipil ipil (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit) were tested. There were inhibitory effects of leaf litter on germination, shoot and root growth, leaf number, and collar diameter as well as a reduction of nodulation by legume crops (25–80% reduction). The extent of the effects was dependent on the proportion of leaf litter, the species and the type of traits. In contrast to shoot growth, the effect on root growth was more severe. No effect on germination was found with the agriculture crops while the two tree species showed reduced germination. The effect was greater in the presence of higher proportions of leaf litter mixed in soil while in some cases lower proportions stimulated growth. Not all species were suppressed; A. procera, C. cajan, V. unguiculata showed compatible growth while C. arietinum and L. leucocephala were found incompatible. This study provides evidence that E. camaldulensis has allelopathic potential under field conditions and a careful selection of associated crops in agroforestry systems is highly recommended.     

Litterfall,decomposition and nutrient release of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Shorea robusta</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tectona grandis</Emphasis> in a sub-tropical forest of West Bengal,Eastern India

We studied leaf litter fall, decomposition and nutrient release patterns of Shorea robusta and Tectona grandis by using a litter bag technique to better understand the release pattern of nutrients to soil from leaf litter. Annual litterfall varied from 13.40 ± 2.56 t ha^?1 a^?1 for S. robusta to 11.03 ± 3.72 t ha^?1 a^?1 for T. grandis and the decay constant (k) of decomposed leaf litter was distinctly higher for T. grandis (2.70 ± 0.50 a^?1) compared to S. robusta (2.41 ± 0.30 a^?1). Biomass loss was positively correlated with the initial litter C, WSC, C/N and ash content in S. robusta and N, P and K concentration for T. grandis. Biomass was negatively correlated with lignin and L/N ratio for S. robusta and L, WSC, L/N and C/N ratio for T. grandis (P < 0.01). Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and nutrient accumulation index (NAI) of S. robusta was higher than for T. grandis. The retranslocation of bioelements from senescent leaves ranked as P > N > K. Annual N, P and K input to soil through litterfall differed significantly between the two species in the following order: N>K>P. S. robusta was superior in terms of K and P return and T. grandis was superior in terms of N return. The two tree species showed a similar patterns of nutrient release (K > P > N) during decomposition of their leaf litter. Nutrients of N, K and P were the primary limiting nutrients returned to soil through litterfall with important roles in soil fertility and forest productivity.     

Responses of decomposition of green leaves and leaf litter to stand density,N and P additions in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia auriculaeformis</Emphasis> stands

The effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and N?+?P additions on the decomposition of green leaves and leaf litter were studied over 2 years using the litterbag technique in Acacia auriculaeformis stands with different densities in southern China. The green leaves and leaf litter were treated with four fertility treatments: control, N addition, P addition and N?+?P addition to test the effect of stand density and fertility on the decomposition of green leaves and leaf litter. The mean percentage of mass remaining (PMR) of green leaves and leaf litter significantly decreased with increasing density. Nitrogen and N?+?P additions had a negative effect on PMR, whereas the addition of P had a positive effect. The rapid decomposition of green leaves was associated with a higher N and P content and a lower N/P ratio, indicating a likely P limitation for A. auriculaeformis stands. Our results imply that stand density associated with canopy openness can impact litter decomposition, and P is an important control factor on litter decomposition in A. auriculaeformis stands.     

紫金山两种主要林型有机物层中丝状真菌多样性

本文对紫金山两种主要林型,栓皮栎林(Quercus variabilis)和马尾松-枫香(Pinus massoniana-Liguidam barformasana)混交林的有机物层(L, F, H层及土壤淋溶A层)可培养丝状真菌多样性进行了研究。通过分离鉴定,共得到真菌67种,其中接合菌3种、子囊菌5种、半知菌类56种和未确定种3种,半知菌类最为丰富。两种林型分解真菌优势种群为链格孢(Alternaria sp.)、曲霉(Aspergillus spp.)、枝孢(Cladosporium sp.)、毛霉(Mucor sp.)、青霉(Penicillium sp.)、木霉(Trichoderma spp.)、根霉(Rhizopus sp.)、粘帚霉(Gliocladium sp.)。混交林型中真菌的种类和数量明显高于栓皮栎林。两个林型均以F层真菌种类最多,但F层之间和L层之间真菌多样性差异较大。在混交林型中从马尾松针叶上分离的真菌种类和数量比从枫香上分离得到的少; 从马尾松针叶上分离的真菌丰富度随着有机物层深度增加而增加,枫香则反之。比较两个林型以及混交林的两种落叶上真菌种类发现,随着有机物层深度的增加,真菌的种类差异性却随之减少,即同时出现在两个林型或两种针叶上的真菌种类增多。真菌种类随着分解过程的进行具有明显的演替现象。混交林型中同一层内不同落叶上分解真菌多样性的差异,表明凋落物基质的差异是决定真菌种类和数量的重要因素     

Quantification of organic carbon and primary nutrients in litter and soil in a foothill forest plantation of eastern Himalaya

The present study was an effort to understand the amount of litter fall and its subsequent decomposition and quantify the release of available nutrients and soil physicochemical characteristics in plantations of four forest tree species(Lagerstroemia parviflora, Tectona grandis, Shorea robusta and Michelia champaca) in the Chilapatta Reserve Forest of the Cooch Behar Wildlife Division in the Terai zone of West Bengal, India. The most litter(5.61 Mg ha~(-1))was produced by T. grandis plantation and the least(4.72 Mg ha~(-1)) by L. parviflora. The material turnover rate to the soil through decomposition from total litter was fastest during the first quarter of the year and subsequently decreased during the next two quarters. The material turnover rate was only 1 year, which indicates that more than90% of the total litter produced decomposed within a year.The available primary nutrient content in litter varied across the four plantations over the year. The plantations generally did not significantly influence the soil physical characteristics but did significantly influence the availability of primary nutrients and organic carbon at two depths(1–15 and16–30 cm) over the year. The availability of soil primary nutrients in the four plantations also increased gradually from the first quarter of the year to the third quarter and then decreased during the last quarter to the same level as in the first quarter of the year at both depths. The availability for soil organic carbon in the plantations followed a similar trend. The amount of litter produced and the material turnover in the soil in the different plantations differed, influencing the nutrient availability and organic carbon at the plantations. The amount of soil organic carbon was highest for T. grandis(2.52 Mg ha~(-1)) and lowest for L. parviflora(2.12 Mg ha~(-1)). Litter is the source of soil organic matter,and more the litter that is produced by the plantations, the higher will be the content and amount of soil organic carbon in the plantation.     

Tracking leaf area index and coefficient of light extinction over the harvesting cycle of black wattle

The amount of photosynthetic radiation intercepted by a crop is a function of the incident solar radiation on the plants, the leaf area index (L _AI), and the light extinction coefficient (k). We quantified L _AI and k in stands of black wattle (Acacia mearnsii De Wild.) over a 7-year growth cycle at two locations in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Our study was conducted in commercial stands in agroecological regions with high densities of black wattle plantations. L _AI was calculated as the ratio between the leaf area of a tree and its planting space, and k was derived from Beer’s law. L _AI depends on the planting site and stand age. Between the two sites, the L _AI was similar over time, the amount of variation differed. Values of k depended only on stand age, with the highest average observed for stands up to 5 years old. The trend of k during the plantation cycle was inversely proportional to L _AI and was correlated with L _AI, leaf area, leaf dry mass, canopy volume, height, branches dry mass, total dry mass, and crown diameter.     

Carbon storage in biomass,litter, and soil of different native and introduced fast-growing tree plantations in the South Caspian Sea

Replantation of degraded forest using rapidgrowth trees can play a significant role in global carbon budget by storing large quantities of carbon in live biomass,forest floor,and soil organic matter.We assessed the potential of 20-year old stands of three rapid-growth tree species,including Alnus subcordata,Populus deltoides and Taxodium distichum,for carbon(C) storage at ecosystem level.In September 2013,48 replicate plots(16 m × 16 m) in 8 stands of three plantations were established.36 trees were felled down and fresh biomass of different components was weighed in the field.Biomass equations were fitted using data based on the 36 felled trees.The biomass of understory vegetation and litter were measured by harvesting all the components.The C fraction of understory,litter,and soil were measured.The ecosystem C storage was as follows: A.subcordata(626.5 Mg ha~(-1)) [ P.deltoides(542.9Mg ha~(-1)) [ T.distichum(486.8 Mg ha~(-1))(P \ 0.001),of which78.1–87.4% was in the soil.P.deltoides plantation reached the highest tree biomass(206.6 Mg ha~(-1)),followed by A.subcordata(134.5 Mg ha~(-1)) and T.distichum(123.3 Mg ha~(-1)).The highest soil C was stored in theplantation of A.subcordata(555.5 Mg ha~(-1)).The C storage and sequestration of the plantations after 20 years were considerable(25–30 Mg ha~(-1) year~(-1)) and broadleaves species had higher potential.Native species had a higher soil C storage while the potential of introduced species for live biomass production was higher.     

Hymenopterous parasitoids of the cherry bark tortrix, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Enarmonia formosana</Emphasis> (Scopoli) in central-east Europe (Hymenoptera,Ichneumonoidea; Lepidoptera,Tortricidae)

Strategies targeting the biological control of the cherry bark tortrix (=CBT), Enarmonia formosana (Scopoli) in North America have also included the search for potentially useful native hymenopterous parasitoids of the pest in Europe. The search for such agents undertaken in the central-east Europe (Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary) resulted in determination of several ichneumonid species (Campoplex cf. dubitator Horst., Liotryphon sp., Lissonotus sp., Pimpla spuria (Grav.), Pimpla turionellae (L.), and some others, and a braconid (Apanteles britannicus Wilk.) in 2001–2002.     

Deposition of litter and nutrients in leaves and twigs in different plant communities of northeastern Mexico

Studies on litterfall and decomposition provide estimations of decomposition rates of different ecosystems.This is key information to understanding ecosystem dynamics and changes in a scenario of global warming.The objective of this research was to assess litterfall production,the potential deposition of macro and micronutrients through leaf and twig fall as well as macronutrient—use efficiency in three forest ecosystems at different altitudes: a pine forest mixed with deciduous species(S1); a Quercus spp.forest(S2); and,a Tamaulipan thornscrub forest(S3).Total annual litterfall deposition was 594,742 and 533 g m~(-2) for S1,S2 and S3.Leaf litter was higher (68%) than twigs(18%),reproductive structures(8%) or miscellaneous material(6%).Micronutrient leaf deposition was higher for Fe followed by Mn,Zn and Cu.Macronutrient leaf deposition was higher for Ca followed by K,Mg and P.Even though P deposition in leaves and twigs was lower than other macronutrients,its nutrient use efficiency was higher than Ca,Mg or K.Altitude and species composition determine litter and nutrient deposition,with higher values at mid-altitudes(550 m).Altitude is an important factor to consider when analyzing litter production as well as nutrient deposition as shown in this study.Litter production and nutrient deposition are expected to change in a scenario of global warming.     

Communities of saprobic fungi on leaf litter of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vismia guianensis</Emphasis> in remnants of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

We examined the mycobiota associated with Vismia guianensis leaf litter in three Atlantic Forest remnants of Brazil’s semiarid region. Among the study sites, two remnants were protected forest reserves, whereas the third was influenced by major anthropogenic activities. Eighteen litter samples were collected in wet and dry seasons and were processed by particle filtration technique. A total of 4750 fungal isolates of 142 taxa were identified. Species richness was higher in litter samples collected during wet season. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling multivariate analysis showed differences in the composition of fungal communities among the sampling sites and the seasons. Analysis of similarity showed that the differences were statistically significant (R = 0.85; P = 0.0001). Our findings revealed that spatial and temporal heterogeneity, and human activities had significant impacts on the saprobic fungi of V. guianensis leaf litter.     

Ozone fumigation of Quercus ilex L. slows down leaf litter decomposition with no detectable change in leaf composition

Context

The evaluation of changes in litter decomposition rate due to increasing trend in tropospheric ozone is an emerging field of investigation, providing relevant information on long-term forest ecosystem sustainability.

Aims

This research aims to clarify the effects of ozone exposure on Quercus ilex leaf chemical composition and decomposition slow down.

Methods

Young plants were fumigated in growth chambers at a cumulative dose of 17.15 ppm h. To assess the fumigation effectiveness, stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis were monitored. Leaves were analysed for C, N, S, Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Zn, Mn, total soluble sugars, starch, acid-detergent fibre (ADF), lignin and cellulose prior to the incubation in litter bags in mesocosms, and during decomposition along 395 days.

Results

Ozone-exposed leaves showed a significant reduction in net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance but did not differ from control leaves in all the chemical parameters analysed. Nevertheless, leaf decomposition rate was lower in treated leaves. The main differences between the models describing the mass loss in exposed and control leaves were played by ADF for exposed leaves and by lignin for control leaves, as well as by N, that showed a greater contribution in the model for the exposed leaves.

Conclusion

Ozone fumigation of Q. ilex results in leaf litter decomposition slowing down, mainly due to ADF joint dynamics with the other variables describing mass decay, even if no detectable changes in initial leaf composition occur.     

Dry mass production,allocation patterns and water use efficiency of two conifers with different water use strategies under elevated [CO<Subscript>2</Subscript>], warming and drought conditions

Knowledge regarding the interactive effects of elevated [CO₂], warming and drought on dry mass production, allocation and water use efficiency (WUE) of tree seedlings is limited, particularly in trees exhibiting different stomatal regulation strategies. Seedlings of Callitris rhomboidea (relatively anisohydric) and Pinus radiata (relatively isohydric) were grown in two [CO₂] (C_a (400 μmol mol^?1) and C_e (640 μmol mol^?1)) and two temperature (T_a (ambient) and T_e (ambient?+?4 °C)) treatments in a sun-lit glasshouse under well-watered conditions prior to imposition of the drought. C_e increased mass production in C. rhomboidea (but not in P. radiata), while drought limited mass production in both species. Mass production was greatest in the combination of C_e, T_e and well-watered conditions. Pinus radiata allocated relatively more dry mass into roots and had higher plant WUE than C. rhomboidea. Noticeably, mass allocation patterns in C. rhomboidea varied as a function of the treatments, but those of P. radiata were constant. C_e enhanced leaf WUE of both species, but to a greater degree under drought stress than well-watered conditions. Moderate drought stress increased both leaf and plant WUE compared to well-watered conditions. C. rhomboidea exhibited plasticity to variable climate conditions through morphological adjustments, while P. radiata exhibited a highly conservative strategy. Collectively, these findings indicate that the two species have different strategies in resource acquisition and utilisation under changing environmental conditions. Future studies on tree response to climate change need to fully consider the integration of species traits, including stomatal behaviour and hydraulic strategies.     

Exploring range shifts of contrasting tree species across a bioclimatic transition zone

Bioclimatic transition zones are supposed to encompass sensitive areas to global change effects on forest ecosystems. In this study, we attempt to detect shifts in the ranges of contrasting Iberian tree species in the submediterranean transition zone in Navarra, northern Spain. These shifts are analysed in the context of a significant increase in temperature over recent decades along with moderate land use changes. Data from national forest inventories (1971 and 2010) are compared through universal kriging (UK) and block kriging models to assess the shifts in the ranges of Quercus subpyrenaica, Quercus ilex, Pinus sylvestris and Fagus sylvatica. UK results predicted an increase in the presence probability of the four target species for the whole Navarra region. However, in the submediterranean zone, the presence probability of Q. subpyrenaica, P. sylvestris and F. sylvatica shows a shrinking trend, whereas Q. ilex is expanding its range, supporting a previous hypothesis of a “mediterranization” of this bioclimatic transition region. These trends are concomitant with recent elevational shift patterns towards higher elevations in the case of Q. subpyrenaica, P. sylvestris and F. sylvatica in the transition zone. Moreover, the expected increase in species richness as a consequence of geographical shifts and vegetation recovery is identified. The moderate human influence detected in the study area confirms the major role of climate warming as driver of species range shifts over the period. The results of this study highlight the suitability of bioclimatic transition zones for monitoring the effects of global change on natural ecosystems, providing evidences of the complex mechanisms affecting the distribution of forests.     

Review of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eilema</Emphasis> group of lichen moths from South Korea,with description of one new species (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini)

This review details the Korean species of the Eilema group in the subfamily Arctiinae of Erebidae: 19 species in five genera (Manulea, Collita, Katha, Dolgoma, and Wittia), a new species (Collita hwacheonensis Bayarsaikhan & Bae, sp. nov.), and an unrecorded species [C. vetusta aegrota (Butler 1877)]. All species are diagnosed, and figures of the adults and genitalia and a key to species based on male genital structure of Eilema group in South Korea are included.     

Diversity and distribution of soil micro-fungi along an elevation gradient on the north slope of Changbai Mountain

Elevational changes in patterns of diversity are important to understanding of the influence of global changes, yet few studies have addressed the distribution of microorganisms, e.g. soil micro-fungi. We studied the diversity of the forest soil micro-fungi in four vegetation belts along an elevation gradient on the north slope of Changbai Mountain in Changbai National Nature Reserve.The four belts were characterized as coniferous–deciduous mixed forest, coniferous forest, Erman's birch forest, and alpine tundra. We estimated the quantity and distribution of the fungal species in each belt and calculated three indices,viz. Shannon–Wiener diversity(H'), Pielou's evenness(J'),and Margalef's abundance(E), to depict fungal species diversity. A total of 932 strains were recorded and identified, representing 53 genera, and 108 species. Among these, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Mucor, Rhizopus and Fusarium were the dominant genera. With increasing elevation, the quantity of fungi and values of H',E, and J' gradually declined.     

Similar carbon density of natural and planted forests in the Lüliang Mountains,China

Key message

The carbon density was not different between natural and planted forests, while the biomass carbon density was greater in natural forests than in planted forests. The difference is due primarily to the larger carbon density in the standing trees in natural forests compared to planted forests (at an average age of 50.6 and 15.7 years, respectively).

Context

Afforestation and reforestation programs might have noticeable effect on carbon stock. An integrated assessment of the forest carbon density in mountain regions is vital to evaluate the contribution of planted forests to carbon sequestration.

Aims

We compared the carbon densities and carbon stocks between natural and planted forests in the Lüliang Mountains region where large-scale afforestation and reforestation programs have been implemented. The introduced peashrubs (Caragana spp.), poplars (Populus spp.), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and native Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis) were the four most common species in planted forests. In contrast, the deciduous oaks (Quercus spp.), Asia white birch (Betula platyphylla), wild poplar (Populus davidiana), and Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis) dominated in natural forests.

Methods

Based on the forest inventory data of 3768 sample plots, we estimated the values of carbon densities and carbon stocks of natural and planted forests, and analyzed the spatial patterns of carbon densities and the effects of various factors on carbon densities using semivariogram analysis and nested analysis of variance (nested ANOVA), respectively.

Results

The carbon density was 123.7 and 119.7 Mg ha^?1 for natural and planted forests respectively. Natural and planted forests accounted for 54.8% and 45.2% of the total carbon stock over the whole region, respectively. The biomass carbon density (the above- and belowground biomass plus dead wood and litter biomass carbon density) was greater in natural forests than in planted forests (22.5 versus 13.2 Mg ha^?1). The higher (lower) spatial carbon density variability of natural (planted) forests was featured with a much smaller (larger) range value of 32.7 km (102.0 km) within which a strong (moderate) spatial autocorrelation could be observed. Stand age, stand density, annual mean temperature, and annual precipitation had statistically significant effects on the carbon density of all forests in the region.

Conclusion

No significant difference was detected in the carbon densities between natural and planted forests, and planted forests have made a substantial contribution to the total carbon stock of the region due to the implementation of large-scale afforestation and reforestation programs. The spatial patterns of carbon densities were clearly different between natural and planted forests. Stand age, stand density, temperature, and precipitation were important factors influencing forest carbon density over the mountain region.