Thinning and prescribed burning increase shade-tolerant conifer regeneration in a fire excluded mixed-conifer forest

Zald, Harold S.J.; May, Carolina J.; Gray, Andrew N.; North, Malcolm P.; Hurteau, Matthew D.

doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2023.121531

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Thinning, a strategic forest management approach, lowers stand density to boost understory vegetation growth and biodiversity, thus, elevating soil organic matter and improving soil carbon storage [27]. Selective tree removal enhances the health and growth of the remaining trees, increasing the forest carbon sequestration and reducing emissions from tree disease and death [28]. Appropriate thinning alters forest structure and composition, aiding regeneration, combating climate change, and benefiting the long-term carbon cycle in forest ecosystems [29].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Seasonal Impact of Thinning Intensities on Soil Carbon Cycling in the Lesser Xing’an Range, Northeast China

Zhang,

Gao,

Dong

2024

Forests

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Forest degradation, driven by human and natural factors, diminishes ecological functions and carbon storage. Understanding the complex dynamics of soil carbon pools is crucial for the global carbon cycle, although these dynamics are poorly understood. This study examines how different thinning intensities influence seasonal soil carbon cycling in degraded forests. ANOVA revealed significant differences in soil properties across treatments (p < 0.05). Redundancy analysis and random forest analyses were used to explore relationships among thinning intensities, soil properties, and carbon sequestration. Thinning significantly altered soil attributes, as revealed by field experiments and data analysis. Moderate thinning (20% intensity) significantly enhanced litter retention and soil nutrient levels year-round (p < 0.05). Seasonal variations affected soil carbon dynamics and lower thinning intensities improved carbon sequestration in spring and summer. Conversely, higher thinning intensities led to carbon loss in autumn and winter. Litter carbon, fine root carbon, and correction factor significantly respond to thinning intensities year-round as examined through redundancy analysis and random forest analyses. Findings indicate moderate thinning effectively enhances soil carbon sequestration in degraded forests. Strategically planned thinning could aid climate change mitigation by boosting forest soil carbon storage, influencing forest management and conservation.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%