Soil organic matter fractions in loblolly pine forests of coastal North Carolina managed for bioenergy production.

Published online
15 Apr 2015
Content type
Bulletin article; Conference paper
URL
http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/gtr/gtr_srs203.pdf

Author(s)
Minick, K. J. & Strahm, B. D. & Fox, T. R. & Sucre, E. B. & Leggett, Z. H.

Publication language
English
Location
USA & North Carolina

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study on the effects of loblolly pine-switchgrass intercropping on SOM fractions in an intensively managed loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantation for bioenergy production in North Carolina, USA. Results suggest that at this early stage of forest development there has been no impact of imposed bioenergy management regimes on total C and N pools or the various SOM fractions examined. Presence of grass in forested ecosystems may lead to increased soil C stocks in the case of switchgrass or decrease soil C stocks in the case of an invasive grass. This study provides a detailed baseline of SOM dynamics in young loblolly pine stands upon which future long-term changes in SOM pools can be assessed.

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