SOILS, SEC 2 • GLOBAL CHANGE, ENVIRON RISK ASSESS, SUSTAINABLE LAND USE • RESEARCH ARTICLE Carbon metabolism of soil microbial communities of restored forests in Southern China

Purpose The structure and dynamics of carbon metabolic process of the soil microbial community in restored forests were dependent on the methods employed in reforestation and subsequent management. To find an appropriate method to restore degraded forests and to assess the ecological benefits of restorations, we studied community level physiological profiles of soil microbial communities in forests in Southern China that were restored by three different methods. Materials and methods Community level physiological profiles of soil microbial communities in restored intro-duced slash pine (Pinus elliottii) plantation, restored native Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) plantation, and natural secondary forest in Southern China were studied based o