Relationships between Regeneration of Qinghai Spruce Seedlings and Soil Stoichiometry across Elevations in a Forest in North-Western China

Abstract

Qinghai spruce (Picea crassifolia Kom.) is an ecologically important species in the forest ecosystem of the Qilian Mountains region in China. Natural regeneration of this species is critical to maintaining forest ecosystem function. Here, we analyzed several biological indicators among naturally regenerating Qinghai spruce across several elevations in the Pailugou watershed. Specifically, seedling density, basal diameter (BD), and plant height were measured, as were soil physicochemical parameters, at 2700 m, 3000 m, and 3300 m above sea level. Differences in the regeneration indicators and correlations between the indicators and soil parameters were then assessed across elevations. The results showed that soil stoichiometry was more sensitive to changes in elevation than seedling indicators were. Furthermore, seedling density was positively correlated with soil pH, whereas BD was positively correlated with the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N), the carbon-to-phosphorus ratio (C/P), and soil organic carbon (SOC) contents. None of the analyzed soil stoichiometry parameters had a significant impact on elevation-specific differences in seedling density. However, soil pH, SOC, and C/N significantly affected variations in seedling basal diameter at different elevations. Finally, soil pH, SOC, C/N, and the carbon-to-phosphorus ratio significantly affected variations in seedlings’ heights at different elevations. This study provides a strong theoretical basis for further understanding of the mechanisms associated with Qinghai spruce regeneration, ultimately contributing to rational protection and management strategies for this important natural resource.