Plant diversity drives soil carbon sequestration: evidence from 150 years of vegetation restoration in the temperate zone

Abstract

Large-scale afforestation is considered a natural way to address climate challenges (e.g., the greenhouse effect). However, there is a paucity of evidence linking plant diversity to soil carbon sequestration pathways during long-term natural restoration of temperate vegetation. In particular, the carbon sequestration mechanisms and functions of woody plants require further study. Therefore, we conducted a comparative study of plant diversity and soil carbon sequestration characteristics during 150 years of natural vegetation restoration in the temperate zone to provide a comprehensive assessment of the effects of long-term natural vegetation restoration processes on soil organic carbon stocks. The results suggested positive effects of woody plant diversity on carbon sequestration. In addition, fine root biomass and deadfall accumulation were significantly positively correlated with soil organic carbon stocks, and carbon was stored in large grain size aggregates (1–5 mm). Meanwhile, the diversity of Fabaceae and Rosaceae was observed to be important for soil organic carbon accumulation, and the carbon sequestration function of shrubs should not be neglected during vegetation restoration. Finally, we identified three plants that showed high potential for carbon sequestration: Lespedeza bicolor, Sophora davidii, and Cotoneaster multiflorus, which should be considered for inclusion in the construction of local artificial vegetation. Among them, L. bicolor is probably the best choice.

Influence of Irrigation on Biomass Partitioning in Above- and Belowground Organs of Trees Planted in Desert Sites of Mongolia

“…These plantations are part of a broader project called the "Green Belt Project," aimed not only to avoid the irreparable loss of degraded soil but also to improve the local level of livelihood [57]. Another ecosystem service expected from these plantations is the possibility of sequestering carbon from the atmosphere into plant biomass and soil [58]. In fact, it is known that forests represent one of the largest carbon sinks in the world, given that more than 80% of terrestrial biomass is represented by AG and BG components of forest trees [59,60].…”

Balancing Livestock Environmental Footprints with Forestry-Based Solutions: A Review

“…Hence, even though livestock farming emits greenhouse gases all year round, these gases can be offset through carbon sequestration (Figure 2). The sequestration concept is very complex [130] and requires details in terms of compositions, as diversity in the forest ecosystem has a significant effect on carbon sequestration [131][132][133][134]. For instance, aged trees store more atmospheric carbon than young trees [135][136][137].…”

“…For instance, aged trees store more atmospheric carbon than young trees [135][136][137]. The potential for carbon sequestration also varies depending on the type of forest, shrubs, agroforests, and other life forms and soil under the species [134,138,139]. Global interest has recently been placed on nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation [140][141][142], highlighting the potential of forests in carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere and carbon storage in the soil [127,143].…”

“…Therefore, the biophysical effects of forests on soil and water cycle promote, erosion control, water conservation, and nutrient cycling, making forests essential components of resilient and sustainable landscapes. The sequestration concept is very complex [130] and requires details in terms of compositions, as diversity in the forest ecosystem has a significant effect on carbon sequestration [131][132][133][134]. For instance, aged trees store more atmospheric carbon than young trees [135][136][137].…”