Effects of Windfall on Soil Surface Carbon Emission and Fine Root Stocks in the Central Sikhote-Alin

A large-scale windfall event caused by the Lionrock typhoon (2016) significantly altered soil carbon dynamics within the Central Sikhote-Alin. The study found that soil surface carbon emissions increased by 29% in Siberian pine forests and decreased by 25% in birch forests compared to control sites. This variation was attributed to differences in root decomposition timing: fine roots in Siberian pine forests decomposed during the measurement period, while those in birch forests had already decomposed before measurements began. The stock of fine roots declined by 20% in Siberian pine forests and 37% in birch forests post-windfall, with dead root stocks showing contrasting trends—58% higher in pine forests but 28% lower in birch forests. Additionally, windfall significantly increased soil moisture (p < 0.001). The study highlights the complex interplay between windfall events and carbon cycling, emphasizing the importance of fine roots in soil emissions.

Ivanov, A. V., Salo, M. A., Tolstikova, V. Yu., Bryanin, S. V., & Zamolodchikov, D. G. (2022). Effects of Windfall on Soil Surface Carbon Emission and Fine Root Stocks in the Central Sikhote-Alin. Eurasian Soil Science, 55(10), 1405–1413. https://doi.org/10.1134/s1064229322100052