Effects of forest age and stand density on the growth, soil moisture content, and soil carbon content of Populus simoni plantations in the sandy area of western Liaoning, Northeast China.

ABSTRACT: Poplar (Populus simoni) plantations are crucial in the sandy regions of western Liaoning, serving key roles in wind protection, sand stabilization, soil moisture regulation, and carbon sequestration. However, challenges such as suboptimal stand quality and limited ecological benefits persist. This study aims to elucidate the growth dynamics of poplar plantations and their impact on soil moisture content and soil carbon content in this region. We established 75 standard plots across various age groups and stand densities in Fuxin City, measuring poplar diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height (TH), soil moisture content, and soil carbon content. We found that DBH and TH increase with increasing stand density in young and middle-aged forests, but the opposite is true at near-maturity, ma

SUBMITTER: Chen H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11747169 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature