Influence of Tree Species Composition and Community Structure on Carbon Density in a Subtropical Forest.

ABSTRACT: We assessed the impact of species composition and stand structure on the spatial variation of forest carbon density using data collected from a 4-ha plot in a subtropical forest in southern China. We found that 1) forest biomass carbon density significantly differed among communities, reflecting a significant effect of community structure and species composition on carbon accumulation; 2) soil organic carbon density increased whereas stand biomass carbon density decreased across communities, indicating that different mechanisms might account for the accumulation of stand biomass carbon and soil organic carbon in the subtropical forest; and 3) a small number of tree individuals of the medium- and large-diameter class contributed predominantly to biomass carbon accumulation in the community,

SUBMITTER: Hu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4552639 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature