A Stand-Level Comparison of Carbon and Nitrogen Distribution in an Exotic Japanese Cedar Plantation and a Natural Oak Stand

This study compared carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) distribution at a stand level in an exotic Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) plantation natural Serrata oak (Quercus serrata Murray) growing under similar site conditions South Korea. The aboveground biomass (stems, branches, leaves) of 20 trees (10 each species), the forest floor, mineral soils to depth 30 cm were sampled determine C N concentrations. Except concentrations significantly higher (p < 0.05) than stand, whereas concentrations, except stem bark, lower plantation. Reforestation with coniferous species increased stocks floor stand. dependent on either or tree components, soil negatively related fertility parameters such as C/N ratio. Although it is uncertain which factors are responsible for difference following establishment plantations former stands, replacement may have impact allocation within different compartments.