Topography and Soil Organic Carbon in Subtropical Forests of China

Soil organic carbon (SOC) strongly contributes to the operation of global cycling, and topographical factors largely influence its spatial distribution. However, SOC distribution leading impact in subtropical forest ecosystems (e.g., Zhejiang Province China) have received relatively limited attention from researchers. In this study, 255 soil samples were collected quantify variation forests. The contents over profiles 35.95 ± 22.58 g/kg, 20.98 15.26 13.77 11.28 g/kg at depths 0–10 cm, 10–30 30–60 respectively. coefficient variations different 62.81% (0–10 cm), 72.74% (10–30 81.92% (30–60 content shows a moderate intensity Province. nugget coefficients for three 0.809 0.846 0.977 Structural mainly content. is positively correlated with elevation slope, negatively slope position (p < 0.05). was mixed coniferous broad-leaved forest. balanced between positions. differences became obvious when types distinguished. Topographical affected differently: > position. Slope becomes main influencing factor cm soil. Forest type significantly influenced but low statistical explanation compared factors. Topography has effects on This reminds us that future research, we should consider combination topography types.