Effects of stand density on soil respiration and labile organic carbon in different aged Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations

Abstract Background The carbon pools of forest soils play a vital role in global sequestration and emissions. Forest management can regulate the output soil to certain extent; however, kinetics effects density on require further investigation. Methods We established sample plots with stand gradients three different aged Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations quantified respiration, organic (SOC), dissolved (DOC), microbial biomass (MBC), light fraction (LFOC), readily oxidized (ROC). Results conclusions During growth development plantations, is an essential factor that impacts respiration its associated elements. Moderate was observed promote both heterotrophic rates MBC LFOC, whereas it inhibited ROC. soil, heterotrophic, autotrophic older stands were relatively rapid, contents SOC, MBC, DOC, ROC higher more sensitive changes density. labile closely related but not SOC. Among them, LFOC played roles “warehouse” “tool” significantly correlated respiration. ROC, as “raw material”, exhibited negative correlation When content maintained low level “dynamically stabilized” state. regulated by affecting carbon, which provided path for