Study on the Carbon Density of Litterfall in Pinus koraiensis Plantation

Purpose In order to understand the dynamics and characteristics of litter content, litter components and litter carbon density in different Pinus koraiensis plantations, and provide scientific references and theoretical basis for accurate estimation of forest carbon stocks and development management of carbon sequestration forest in regional scale.

Method The litter basket collection method was used to study the litter carbon density of P. koraiensis plantations, Betula platyphylla-P. koraiensis plantations and Quercus mongolica-P. koraiensis plantations in Maoershan area.

Result The litter fall components were different in three forest types, the litter fall content and litter fall carbon density would increase with the increase of forest age. The litter fall content and carbon density of the three forest types were significantly higher than 20 in 42 years. There was significant difference for the carbon density of litter fall in different forest types. The carbon density of litter in 20 years plantation ranked B. platyphylla-P. koraiensis plantations 0.751 t/(hm²·a)>Q. mongolica-P. koraiensis plantations 0.721 t/(hm²·a)>P. koraiensis plantations 0.688 t/(hm²·a) (P<0.05); the rank of carbon density of litter in 42 years plantation wasQ. mongolica-P. koraiensis plantations 2.995 t/(hm²·a)>B. platyphylla-P. koraiensis plantations 2.779 t/(hm²·a)>P. koraiensis plantations 2.007 t/(hm²·a) (P<0.05).

Conclusion There are significant difference for carbon density of litter fall among different P. koraiensis plantations, and it is significantly higher than pure forest in mixed forest. The carbon density of litter fall increased with the increase of forest age.