“…Recent studies have focused on the effects of different vegetation types on SOM variability by analyzing lignin in the bulk soil and various soil fractions. However, there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge on the interactions among root extension, aggregates, residue composition, and microorganisms (Angst et al, 2017;Chen et al, 2017b;DeMarco, Filley, & Throop, 2016;Lin & Simpson, 2016;Panettieri, Rumpel, Dignac, & Chabbi, 2017). Spanning more than 200 yr, the distinct successional stages across pioneer broadleaf stands to stably mixed broadleaf-pine stands in the Changbai Mountains in northeastern China (Lou, Zheng, Sui, & Han, 2013;Zhang, Han, & Yu, 2006) provide a unique opportunity to obtain the mechanistic understanding of how vegetation change affects long-term C sequestration.…”