CARBON DYNAMICS IN FOREST SOILS UNDER DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Abstract

Forest soils represent one of the largest terrestrial carbon reservoirs and play an important role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂), nutrient cycling, ecosystem productivity, and climate change mitigation. Soil carbon dynamics are governed by the balance between carbon inputs from litterfall, root biomass, rhizodeposition and woody residues, and carbon losses through microbial decomposition, respiration, leaching and disturbance. This review examines carbon dynamics in forest soils under different management practices, with particular emphasis on harvesting, thinning, prescribed burning, wildfire, afforestation, reforestation, restoration, species composition and sustainable forest management. Forest soil carbon occurs in pools with different stability and turnover rates, particularly particulate organic matter and mineral-associated organic matter, which respond differently to environmental and management changes. Microbial activity, litter quality, root-derived carbon, soil properties, temperature, moisture and nutrient availability further regulate carbon transformation and stabilization. Forest harvesting, especially intensive biomass removal, can reduce soil carbon by decreasing litter and root inputs and disturbing soil organic matter, while repeated or severe fires can cause substantial carbon losses. In contrast, appropriate thinning, residue retention, restoration and mixed-species management can promote carbon accumulation and improve ecosystem resilience. Afforestation and reforestation can gradually enhance soil carbon through increasing litter inputs, root turnover and microbial activity, although outcomes depend on species, site conditions and previous land use. Sustainable forest management therefore requires integrated strategies that balance carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, soil health and forest productivity.