Non-Additive Effects of Mixing Eucalyptus and Castanopsis hystrix Trees on Carbon Stocks under an Eco-Silviculture Regime in Southern China

Eucalyptus plantations harbor great potential for supporting ecosystem services, but this prospect is weakened under long-term traditional silviculture regimes. To reform these regimes, we carried out a eco-silviculture experiment. However, the derived benefits and mechanisms that arise in mixed species stands regime are not fully understood. Here, evaluated tree carbon storage (TCS), understory vegetation (UCS), floor litter (FLCS), soil organic (SOCS), (ECS) seven-year-old mono-specific of hybrid (E. urophylla × E. grandis) Castanopsis hystrix, as well two trees an southern China. The results showed height, diameter at breast height (DBH), volume, biomass eucalypt C. hystrix plantation were significantly higher than corresponding single-species plantations. mixed-species had largest TCS (84.33 Mg ha−1), FLCS (4.34 ECS (313.31 SOCS (233.98 lowest UCS (0.96 among three types. mixture effects analysis revealed significant synergistic (non-additive effect, NAE > 0) on TCS, SOCS, ECS, antagonistic (NAE < UCS. These mainly due to complementary ecological niches plantation, which could potentially enable them maximize use local resources, increase stand productivity production. imply beyond gains timber production obtained by having both growing same stand, such enhance sequestration greater extent either or C.hystrix trees. In conclusion, suggest planting with regime, effectively resolve contradiction between and, thereby, also promote sustainable development