Edge effects increase soil respiration without altering soil carbon stocks in temperate broadleaf forests

Anthropogenic disturbance has left the world's forests highly fragmented, with a significant proportion of edge-affected area. Abiotic changes at forest edges are likely to affect soil carbon cycling, as higher temperatures and lower moisture availability in edge environments have well-documented effects on respiration. The present study sought quantify persistent cycling fragmented broadleaf southeastern Pennsylvania. At three sites >80-year-old forest-field edges, 100-m transects perpendicular were established. Monthly measurements respiration, temperature, made fixed distances along each transect throughout growing season. Soil storage from 0 20 cm depth, litter biomass, decomposition rates also assessed. respiration was significantly relative interior, this effect penetrated 60 m into forest. Significantly elevated surface temperature decreased observed environments. Despite edge, storage, invariant interior gradients. responsiveness (100 m), locations ≤60 edge. Edge altering elements cycle apparent Pennsylvania, principally manifest increased Lack variation pools suggests that may be related root rhizosphere These findings contribute body evidence documenting temperate forests. Discounting alterations imposed by fragmentation potential produce misleading estimates land–atmosphere CO2 exchange terrestrial storage.