Summary
This nine-year field experiment investigated how organic fertilisation practices—specifically biochar and biogas-slurry applications—influence soil carbon accumulation in newly established plantation forests. Both amendments significantly increased POC and total SOC, though biogas-slurry was more effective overall; however, neither substantially enhanced MAOC. The findings suggest that management practices are critical for supporting long-term forest carbon sequestration and highlight regulatory mechanisms (SOC:TN ratios and TN availability) by which different organic inputs influence carbon stabilisation.
UK applicability
These findings on organic matter amendments in plantation forestry are potentially relevant to UK afforestation and woodland creation schemes, particularly those seeking nature-based climate mitigation. However, the study was conducted in a temperate plantation context (likely China) and would require adaptation to UK soil types, climate, and tree species before direct application to UK policy or practice.
Key measures
Particulate organic carbon (POC), mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC), total soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), SOC:TN ratio, measured at three soil depths (0–25, 25–50, 50–75 cm)
Outcomes reported
The study measured the effects of biochar and biogas-slurry inputs on soil particulate organic carbon (POC), mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC), and total soil organic carbon (SOC) across three soil depths over nine years in a plantation system. Changes in soil carbon fractions were assessed in relation to soil nitrogen content and other edaphic properties.
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