The effects of forest management on carbon dynamics of soil organic horizons

The carbon sink potential of temperate forests plays a central role in climate change mitigation strategies, and soil organic carbon sequestration can be achieved through afforestation and reforestation. Yet, the main factors responsible for influencing the dynamics of long-term forest carbon stabilization within the soil are poorly understood. This study investigates how different forest management practices affect the carbon sequestration potential within the soil organic surface horizon (Litter, Fragmented and Humic) under second rotation Picea sitchensis plantations in the UK. Fieldwork activities were carried out in two experimental sites of upland Britain to collect samples related to soil carbon quantity, carbon quality and the dynamics of fine root turnover