Summary
This 5-year in situ field experiment investigated how continuous organic mulching influences the long-term stability and accumulation of soil organic carbon in moso bamboo plantations. The findings suggest that sustained mulching practices enhance both the quantity and chemical stability of soil organic carbon, potentially through altered decomposition pathways or shifts in microbial community composition. The work contributes to understanding how management practices can sequester carbon and maintain soil health in perennial bamboo agroforestry systems.
UK applicability
Whilst moso bamboo is not widely cultivated in the UK, the mechanistic findings on organic mulching and soil carbon stability are potentially transferable to UK agroforestry and perennial crop systems. The experimental approach and long-term monitoring protocol may inform best-practice guidelines for mulching in UK woodland and agroforestry management.
Key measures
Soil organic carbon concentration and stability; decomposition rates; microbial community composition; mulch application treatments over 5-year period
Outcomes reported
The study measured changes in soil organic carbon quantity, chemical stability, and microbial community composition over 5 years under continuous organic mulching in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys praecox) plantations.
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