Synergies and trade-offs in forest carbon pools: separating universal drivers from forest type-specific controls.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Understanding the synergies and trade-offs among tree, understory, and soil carbon pools is critical for optimizing forest carbon sinks. However, the mechanisms regulating these relationships, particularly how they differ between natural and planted forests, remain unclear. This study aims to deconstruct these complex interactions in subtropical forests to provide a scientific basis for enhancing ecosystem carbon storage.

Methods

Based on data from 440 plots covering six major forest types in subtropical China, we employed linear mixed-effects models (LMMs) to quantify universal and context-dependent driver effects. We then used structural equation models (SEMs) to test and compare the mechanistic pathways of carbon allocation in natural versus planted forests.<

SUBMITTER: Zhou Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12815779 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature