Responses of Soil Carbon and Microbial Residues to Degradation in Moso Bamboo Forest

Abstract

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla cv. Pubescens) is known for its high capacity to sequester atmospheric carbon (C), which has a unique role to play in the fight against global warming. However, due to rising labor costs and falling bamboo prices, many Moso bamboo forests are shifting to an extensive management model without fertilization, resulting in gradual degradation of Moso bamboo forests. However, many Moso bamboo forests are being degraded due to rising labor costs and declining bamboo timber prices. To delineate the effect of degradation on soil microbial carbon sequestration, we instituted a rigorous analysis of Moso bamboo forests subjected to different degradation durations, namely: continuous management (CK), 5 years of degradation (D-5), and 10 years of degradation (D-10). Our inquiry encompassed soil strata at 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm, scrutinizing alterations in soil organic carbon (SOC), water-soluble carbon (WSOC), microbial carbon (MBC) and microbial residues. We discerned a positive correlation between degradation and augmented levels of SOC, WSOC, and MBC across both strata. Furthermore, degradation escalated concentrations of specific soil amino sugars and microbial residues. Intriguingly, extended degradation diminished the proportional contribution of microbial residuals to SOC, implying a possible decline in microbial activity longitudinally. These findings offer a detailed insight into microbial C processes within degraded bamboo ecosystems.