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A network meta-analysis on responses of forest soil carbon concentration to interventions.

Authors :
Shen, Kaihui
Li, Lin
Wei, Shiguang
Liu, Jiarun
Zhao, Yi
Source :
Ecological Processes; 5/21/2024, Vol. 13 Issue 1, p1-10, 10p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Background: Forests play a crucial role in absorbing CO<subscript>2</subscript> from the atmosphere. 55% of the carbon in terrestrial ecosystems is stored in forests, with the majority of forest carbon stored in soil. To better understand soil organic carbon (SOC) of forests and to access interventions that affect their SOC concentration, we conducted a comparative analysis between natural and planted forests. Forest interventions refer to the actions taken by humans to manage, protect, or transform forests, and can be divided into two main categories: environmental intervention and anthropogenic intervention. This study focused on the effects of different interventions on SOC in natural and planted forests by reviewing a total of 75 randomized controlled trials in the global literature and extracting a total of 15 different interventions. Results: Through network meta-analysis, we found that natural forests have 22.3% higher SOC than planted forests, indicating their stronger carbon storage function. In natural forests, environmental interventions have a stronger impact. SOC is significantly influenced by forest age, fertilization, and elevation. In planted forests, however, anthropogenic interventions have a stronger impact. Pruning branches and fertilization are effective interventions for planted forests. Furthermore, forest degradation has a significantly negative impact on SOC in planted forests. Conclusion: Overall, interventions to enhance soil carbon storage function differ between natural and planted forests. To address global climate change, protect biodiversity, and achieve sustainable development, it is imperative to globally protect forests and employ scientifically sound forest management practices. Regarding natural forests, the emphasis should be on comprehending the effects of environmental interventions on SOC. Conversely, concerning planted forests, the emphasis should be on comprehending the effects of anthropogenic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
21921709
Volume :
13
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Ecological Processes
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
177392838
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13717-024-00513-9