Voronezh, Voronezh, Russian Federation
UDC 581.93
In the context of global climate change, forest ecosystems are considered one of the most effective natural carbon reservoirs, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. The soil component of forest biogeocenoses plays a crucial role in the carbon balance, as it contains significant stocks of organic carbon. However, the spatial distribution of carbon in forest soils exhibits a mosaic pattern, influenced by tree species, stand structure, and the characteristics of the phytogenic field. This study aims to analyze the spatial variability of carbon content and stocks in the upper mineral horizon of soils in different forest phytocenoses within the forest-steppe zone of the Voronezh region. The research was conducted in two contrasting tree stands: Pino-quercetumherbosum and Querceto-acero-tilietumcaricoso-aegopodiosum. The results revealed that the highest carbon stocks are observed in tree trunk zones, where the most favorable conditions for organic matter accumulation are created due to increased biological activity and litter deposition. In intercrownareas, the influence of tree species weakens, leading to a decrease in soil carbon content. However, in closed-canopy stands, the effect of radial-concentric differentiation is less pronounced due to the overlapping phytogenic areas of trees. The obtained data highlight the importance of considering species composition and forest stand structure when assessing their carbon sequestration potential.
forest ecosystems, carbon stocks, phytogenic area, mosaic pattern of forest biogeocenoses
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