Soil Aggregate Stability and Organic Carbon Content among Different Forest Types in Temperate Ecosystems in Northeastern China

Abstract

Soil aggregates play a crucial role in substance and energy cycles in soil systems. The fixation of soil organic carbon (SOC) is closely tied to the safeguarding mechanisms of soil aggregates. Carbon fixation involves the conversion of atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic molecules by autotrophic organisms. Soil aggregates play a significant role in carbon stabilization, allowing for the physical occlusion of SOC. This study focuses on five forest types, Betula platyphylla, Betula dahurica, Quercus mongolica, Larix gmelinii, and mixed forests comprised of Larix gmelinii and Quercus mongolica, in the Heilongjiang Central Station Black-billed Capercaillie National Nature Reserve, northeast of China. This study investigated the soil aggregate stability (SAS) (water sieving) and aggregate-associated organic carbon (AAOC) at different soil depths in five forest types. Our findings demonstrated that fine macro-aggregates (0.25–2 mm) were the main types of soil aggregates among all the forest types. The SAS gradually decreased with increasing soil depth. Notably, broad-leaved forests exhibited relatively high soil stability. The fine macro-aggregates (0.25–2 mm) had the highest AAOC content, and the AAOC level was highest in the topsoil layer. The SAS and AOCC levels of the Betula platyphylla forest and Betula dahurica forest were higher than those of other forest types and were significantly affected by the forest type, soil depth, and soil physicochemical properties. Collectively, our findings reveal the key factors influencing aggregate stability and the variations in soil organic carbon content in different forest types. These observations provide a basis for studying the mechanisms of soil aggregate carbon sequestration, as well as for the sustainable development of forest soil carbon sequestration and emission reduction.