Root Litter Mixing with That of Japanese Cedar Altered CO2 Emissions from Moso Bamboo Forest Soil

Research Highlights: This study examined the effect of mixing fine roots of Japanese cedar with moso bamboo on soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions with nitrogen (N) addition treatment. Background and Objectives: Moso bamboo expansion into adjacent forests and N deposition are common in subtropical China. The effects of litter input on soil CO2 emissions, especially fine root litter input, are crucial to evaluate contribution of moso bamboo expansion on greenhouse gas emissions. Materials and Methods: An in situ study over 12 months was conducted to examine mixing fine roots of Japanese cedar with moso bamboo on soil CO2 emissions with simulated N deposition. Results: Fine root litter input of Japanese cedar and moso bamboo both impacted soil CO2 emission rates, with mixed litter, positively impact soil CO2 emission rate with N addition treatment. Moso bamboo fine root litter input decreased the sensitivity of soil CO2 emission rate to soil temperature. Conclusions: The encroachment of moso bamboo into adjacent forests might benefit soil C sequestration under warming climate, which will also benefit the mitigation of global climate change.