Effects of Different Management Measures on Carbon Stocks and Soil Carbon Stocks in Moso Bamboo Forests: Meta-Analysis and Control Experiment

Abstract

As a crucial forest resource in southern China and a significant economic forest species for forestry production, moso bamboo has a notable influence on carbon stocks across the entire bamboo forest ecosystem. Studying the impact of different management measures on carbon stocks in moso bamboo forests and soil carbon stocks can assist bamboo forest operators in incorporating the carbon sequestration capacity of bamboo into forest production and management decisions, which can contribute to achieving carbon sequestration, emission reduction, and sustainable development in the decision-making processes of forest production and management. In this study, we utilized a randomized block design to investigate the changes in moso bamboo forests’ carbon stocks and soil carbon stocks under different management measures across three intensities: high-intensity intensive management (HT), moderate-intensity intensive management (MT), and regular management (CK). Additionally, we employed meta-analysis methods to enhance the accuracy of our conclusions. The experimental results showed that MT increased the carbon storage in moso bamboo forests by 19.86%, which was significantly different from CK (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the HT group and the MT and CK groups. For soil carbon stocks, in the 10–30 m and 0–50 m soil layers, HT decreased soil carbon storage by 29.89% and 22.38%, while MT increased soil carbon storage by 64.15% and 31.02%, respectively. Both HT and MT were significantly different from CK (p < 0.05). However, for the soil layers of 0–10 m and 30–50 m, there was no significant difference between the treatments within the experimental group. The results of the meta-analysis indicate that, compared to traditional regular management, intensive management, especially high-intensity intensive management, can significantly increase the carbon storage in bamboo forests (p < 0.05). However, it will significantly reduce soil carbon storage (p < 0.05). Moreover, a significant difference in soil carbon storage is observed only within the 0–20 cm soil layer group. Therefore, from the perspective of the long-term ecological benefits of bamboo forest management, the selection of management measures should prioritize reasonable and moderate-intensity intensive management. Additionally, adopting appropriate and moderate-intensity fertilization, ploughing, and other management methods is recommended to enhance the productivity of moso bamboo forests while concurrently protecting the natural environment and improving the carbon sequestration capacity of moso bamboo forests.