Moderate thinning enhances soil carbon-nitrogen cycling and microbial diversity in degraded mixed forests.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Soil carbon and nitrogen components play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem functions and regulating global climate change in forest ecosystems. Thinning is an important forest management measure that significantly affects forest structure and biodiversity. However, the specific impacts of varying thinning intensities on soil carbon-nitrogen dynamics and microbial community structure remain unclear, warranting further investigation.

Methods

In this study, we applied a gradient of thinning intensities (10-35%) in a degraded mixed forest, combining field sampling, soil physicochemical measurements, and high-throughput sequencing to assess changes in soil carbon-nitrogen components and microbial communities. We used Mantel tests to quantify correlations betwee

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12528090 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature