Forest Ecosystems | 中国东部森林土壤颗粒态有机碳和矿物结合有机碳随纬度和土壤深度的变化格局

Forest ecosystems are the largest carbon sinks in terrestrial ecosystems, with nearly half of the carbon stored in forest soils. However, the distribution patterns of the two main components of forest soil carbon, particulate organic carbon and mineral-associated organic carbon, especially in deeper soil layers, remain unclear. This study analyzed particulate organic carbon and mineral-associated organic carbon in soil samples collected from depths of 0–100 cm at eight sites across eastern China, spanning latitudes from 18° to 48°N. Results show that particulate organic carbon increases with latitude and decreases with soil depth. Additionally, mineral-associated organic carbon undergoes more microbial processing than particulate organic carbon, with greater microbial differences at lower latitudes. These findings enhance our understanding of forest soil organic carbon dynamics and provide valuable strategies for improving forest carbon storage.