Factors affecting soil organic carbon in a Phyllostachys edulis forest

Abstract

Phyllostachys edulis plays an important role in maintaining carbon cycling. We examined the effects of soil properties on organic carbon content in a P. edulis forest on Dagang Mountain, Jiangxi Province, China. Based on correlation and stepwise multiple regression analyses, the effects of seven soil factors on organic carbon and their sensitivities to change were studied using path and sensitivity analyses. The results revealed differences in the interconnections and intensities of soil factors on organic carbon. Soil porosity, field capacity, and ammonium nitrogen levels were the main factors affecting organic carbon in the ecosystem. Soil porosity had a strong direct effect on organic carbon content and a strong indirect effect through field capacity. Field capacity and ammonium nitrogen levels mainly affected organic carbon directly. Field capacity, soil porosity, and ammonium nitrogen content, as well as bulk density, β-glucosidase activity, and invertase activity, were sensitive factors. Polyphenol oxidase activity was insensitive. Our study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the effects of soil factors on organic carbon, which can be utilised to improve P. edulis forest management strategies and promote carbon sequestration capacities.

Keywords

Phyllostachys edulis / Soil organic carbon / Impact factor / Path analysis / Sensitivity analysis

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