Jiasen Wu

Spatial pattern information of carbon (C) density and storage in forest ecosystems plays an important role in the evaluation of C sequestration potential and forest management practices. However, such information related to subtropical forests still remain poorly understood. Zhejiang Province is located in a typical subtropical region of southeastern China, as well as has abundant forest resources and high forest productivity. Up to date, several research on forest resources and C storage in Zhejiang Province have been conducted in the recent decade. However, there is no accurate and complete report for subtropical region of China's Zhejiang Province, including vegetation, soil, litter, and dead wood layer. The main objectives of this study were (1) to characterize the spatial variation of C density in forest ecosystems, and (2) to accurately estimate the C storage in forest ecosystems in Zhejiang Province of southeastern China. It is expected that the findings of this study can guide sustainable forest management practices in subtropical forest regions.

The SOC's spatial distribution and dynamic balance are important indicators in evaluating soil quality and sustainable use. SOC quantity and spatial patterns are thus related to local ecological environments, the characteristics of plant communities, and human activitie. However, such information related to subtropical plantations such as Chinese hickory still remains poorly understood. Chinese hickory, a tree species unique to China, is mainly distributed in the Tianmu Mountain area in Zhejiang and Anhui Provinces. We hypothesized that the soil quality in the monospecific Chinese hickory stands would decrease with the increasing duration of intensive management. Under the conditions of this study, the changes of soil fertility and soil microbial community diversity were largely determined by tillage, fertilization, and intercropping grasses. The results gathered from this work will provide essential information for reasonable utilization of sod cultivation in Chinese hickory production.