Search Results (127)

Long-term intensive management practices in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) forests, primarily characterized by repeated fertilizer application, tillage, and biomass harvesting, can alter soil nutrient cycling and ecosystem stability. This study aimed to assess how such fertilizer-based management affects soil N₂O emission potential and silicon (Si) availability. We collected soil samples (0–20 cm) from bamboo stands subjected to 0–39 years of intensive management and from adjacent natural broad-leaved forests as a reference. The Soil pH, nitrogen forms, nitrification and denitrification potential, and Si concentrations were measured. The results showed significant nitrogen accumulation and progressive soil acidification with increasing management duration. The nitrification and denitrification potentials were 5.7 and 6.0 times higher in the 39-year-old stand compared to unmanaged bamboo. Meanwhile, the available Si decreased by 20.1%, despite stable total Si levels. The available Si showed strong positive correlations with nitrogen forms and transformation rates. These findings highlight the long-term impact of fertilizer-driven bamboo management on soil biogeochemistry and emphasize the need to consider Si dynamics in sustainable nutrient strategies. Full article

Bamboo forests are among China’s key strategic forest resources, characterized by rapid growth and high carbon sequestration efficiency. Traditional management practices primarily aim to maximize economic benefits by regulating stand density to enhance yields of bamboo culms and shoots. However, the influence of density regulation on the growth and carbon accumulation of spring bamboo shoots remains insufficiently understood. Therefore, this study focuses on moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carrière) J. Houzeau) stands and investigates shoot emergence during the shooting period across four stand density levels: D1 (1400 stems/ha), D2 (2000 stems/ha), D3 (2600 stems/ha), and D4 (3200 stems/ha). The study analyzes the dynamics of shoot emergence, height development, and morphological traits under varying stand densities, and explores patterns of carbon accumulation during the shooting period, thereby clarifying the effects of stand density on shoot quantity, growth quality, and carbon sequestration. The main findings are as follows: the number of emerging shoots decreased with increasing stand density, ranging from 2592 to 4634 shoots per hectare. The peak shoot emergence period in the D1 stand was extended by 3 days compared to D2 and D3, while the D4 stand entered the peak emergence period 6 days later than D2 and D3. The rapid height growth phase in D1 occurred 3 days earlier than in D2 and D3, and 6 days earlier than in D4. Results from the variable exponent taper equation indicated that spring shoots in the D2 and D4 stands had larger basal diameters, following the order D4 > D2 > D3 > D1. Shoots in the D2 stand exhibited the smallest taper, with the order being D2 < D3 < D1 < D4. During the late stage of shoot emergence (3 May to 9 May), all stands entered a period of rapid carbon accumulation per individual shoot. In the early stage, carbon accumulation followed the order D1 > D2 > D4 > D3; in the middle stage, the order shifted to D4 > D3 > D2 > D1; and in the final stage, the trend was D1 > D4 > D3 > D2. Within the 30-day investigation period, the carbon storage in spring shoots reached up to one-quarter or even one-third of the total accumulation during the growth period. The D1 stand exhibited the highest rate of increase in the proportion of individual shoot carbon storage. Full article

This study investigated how Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis)–broadleaf mixed forests influence soil properties and microbial communities to support ecological function and sustainable bamboo forest management. Three forest types were examined: pure Moso bamboo stands (MB) and mixed stands with Liquidambar formosana (LB) or Phoebe chekiangensis (PB). Soil chemical properties, microbial diversity, and community composition were assessed using high-throughput sequencing, and functional taxa were correlated with soil nutrients. The results showed that mixed forests significantly influenced soil chemical properties. PB showed the lowest pH and highest total nitrogen (TN), while MB exhibited the highest soil organic matter (SOM) and total potassium (TK). LB maintained moderate TN, high SOM and TK, and stable pH, indicating a balanced nutrient profile. Although α-diversity did not differ significantly, β-diversity analysis revealed distinct microbial community structure (p < 0.01). LB was enriched with carbon-decomposing taxa (Terriglobales and Sphingomonas), PB with acid-tolerant, nitrogen-cycling groups (Candidatus Binatus), and MB with nitrogen-fixing taxa (Nitrobacteraceae and Bradyrhizobium). Co-occurrence network and functional pathway analyses indicated group-specific microbial associations and greater metabolic diversity in LB and PB. In conclusion, mixed Moso bamboo with broadleaf species significantly modified soil chemical properties and microbial community structure, with the Moso bamboo—L. formosana combination showing potential for improving soil nutrient status and microbial function. Full article

Examining the ramet system in bamboo forests can provide an important theoretical basis for strategic management. Moso bamboo is an economically important species in China, and implementing the correct management measures can play a key role in improving bamboo productivity. However, the dynamics of the Moso bamboo ramet system under timber vs. shoot forest management remain underexplored. In this study, we investigated the underground rhizome growth, bud bank structures, branch growth, and distribution patterns of bamboo ramet systems in the two main bamboo cultivation types. Shoot forest ramet systems exhibited stable early-stage rhizome renewal but instability in later stages, characterized by thin, elongated rhizomes. The opposite was observed in the timber forests. The underground bud bank of the ramet system in the shoot forest had a strong renewal ability with stable lateral bud input. However, shoot harvesting disturbed the bud bank balance. The lateral bud input in the timber forest was unstable, with the lateral buds being prone to death. The variation range and quantity of branch types in the ramet system in the shoot forest were greater than those in the timber forest. The number of branches in different parts of the ramet system was in the order of rhizome tip (RT) > middle of rhizome (RM) > rhizome base (RB). The range of variation was greater in the shoot forest. Different management methods led to growth differences in the examined bamboo ramet systems. Bamboo forest management resulted in a correlation between bud banks and ramet system renewal. Operations such as bamboo shoot harvesting significantly impacted branch growth and distribution. These findings not only provide a better understanding of the growth and management strategy of bamboo ramet systems worldwide but also provide a universal theoretical reference for the sustainable management of bamboo forests in other countries. Full article

Natural and planted forests differentially regulate soil quality through vegetation–soil interactions. The effects of four types of planting covers on soil nutrients, enzyme activities, and microbial communities in the Guangxi Camellia nitidissima National Nature Reserve were studied, revealing the multi-dimensional influences of natural (broadleaf, shrubland) and planted forests (bamboo, pine) on soil quality. Surface soils (0–10 cm depth) were characterized for physicochemical properties (pH, TC, TN, NO₃⁻-N, AP), enzyme activities (α-amylase, urease, phosphatase, β-glucosidase), and microbial composition (using 16S rRNA and ITS region sequencing). Mantel tests and PLS–PM modeling were employed to investigate interactions among vegetation, soil variables, and microbes. Natural forests exhibited higher pH, nitrate nitrogen, and enzymatic activities (urease, phosphatase, β-glucosidase) alongside enhanced carbon–nitrogen accumulation and reduced acidification. Planted forests showed elevated available phosphorus and nutrient supply but lower organic matter retention. Microbial communities displayed higher similarity within natural forests, with fungal composition strongly linked to total carbon/nitrogen (p < 0.05). Vegetation type positively influenced bacterial diversity but negatively affected fungal communities. Natural forests maintained critical soil–microbe–plant interactions supporting ecosystem resilience through carbon–nitrogen cycling, while planted forests fostered divergent microbial functionality despite short-term nutrient benefits. These findings underscore natural forests’ unique role in preserving ecological stability and reveal fundamental limitations of artificial systems in mimicking microbially-mediated biogeochemical processes. Conservation policy should prioritize the protection of natural forests while simultaneously integrating microbial community management with vegetation restoration efforts to enhance long-term ecosystem functionality and nutrient cycling efficiency. Full article

Bamboo is widely distributed throughout the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aims to investigate the biomechanical properties of the root system of Bambusa pachinensis (Pachi bamboo). The root system of Pachi bamboo grows densely in clusters, with most roots growing vertically and potentially penetrating more than one meter into the soil after growing for several years. Owing to these characteristics, Pachi bamboo is considered a promising plant species for soil reinforcement. However, research on its root reinforcement capabilities remains limited. In situ shear and pullout tests were conducted to assess the root reinforcement of the fibrous root system. The root diameters of Pachi bamboo are typically less than 4 mm, and its tensile strength is notably lower than that of tree roots. This study establishes a method for estimating the root reinforcement of Pachi bamboo based on the number and cross-sectional area of the culms in a single bamboo cluster. The relationship between the maximum tensile force (F_ult) and root diameter (D) is F_ult = (3.65)D^2.59, where F_ult is in Newtons (N), and D is in millimeters (mm). The relationship between the pullout resistance (P_ult) and the shear resistance (S_ult) with the number of culms (SN) is P_ult = 46.5(SN) and S_ult = 0.53(SN) + 5, where P_ult is in Newtons (N), and S_ult is in kilopascals (kPa). These results suggest a positive contribution of the number of culms to mechanical resistance. Full article

Bamboo forest ecosystems are an important component of the Earth’s terrestrial ecosystems and play an important role in addressing the global timber crisis as well as climate change. Bamboo is a typical shallow-rooted, fast-growing clonal plant species whose developed rhizome system and high canopy closure play an important role in soil and water conservation. The function of soil and water conservation services of bamboo forests can intuitively reflect the regional regulation of precipitation, the redistribution function of precipitation, and the function of soil fixation, which is one of the crucial ecological service functions in regional ecosystems. Bamboo forests are divided into monopodial bamboo forests, sympodial bamboo forests, and mixed bamboo forests, which are mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical mountainous areas. The region’s variable climate, abundant precipitation, and high potential risk of soil erosion, in conjunction with the frequent operation of bamboo forests and frequent occurrence of extreme weather events, have the potential to adversely affect the ecosystem function of bamboo forests. Presently, bamboo forests are primarily managed through the cultivation of bamboo, with the objective of enhancing productivity. Extensive research has been conducted on the long-term maintenance of bamboo forest productivity. However, there is a paucity of research on the mechanisms of management measures for ecosystem stability and the development of adaptive management technology systems suitable for soil and water conservation, carbon sequestration and sink enhancement, and biodiversity conservation. This paper is predicated on the biological characteristics of bamboo and, thus, aims to compile the extant research progress on the following subjects: the role of rainfall redistribution in bamboo forest canopies, the role of deadfall interception, and the mechanism of soil fixation mechanics of the root system. It also synthesizes the current status of research on the impact of traditional management measures on the soil and water conservation function of bamboo forests. Finally, it discusses the problems of current research and the direction of future development. Full article

The sexual reproduction of Sasa borealis, a species of dwarf bamboo, occurred in central Japan from 2016 to 2017. S. borealis grows on the forest floor and serves as an important source of habitat and food for various animals. Sexual reproduction occurs in synchrony among individuals in a given area, leading to a decline in population and causing substantial disturbances to the forest ecosystem; however, the subsequent regeneration process remains unclear. In this study, we investigated S. borealis seedling regeneration over six years. Fixed plots were established in the forest in the year following the sexual reproductive event, and the growth of seedlings was monitored from seed emergence to seedling growth at the individual level. We considered biotic and abiotic factors to evaluate their influence on regeneration. We examined mammalian and arthropod foraging as biotic factors. Conversely, abiotic factors included temperature and humidity near the ground surface, solar radiation, soil conditions, and snow cover. Seedling growth was characterized by a slow rate and affected by morphological changes resulting from foraging and abiotic factors. The return of S. borealis to its presexual reproductive stage requires an extended duration. Our study provides precious information for future S. borealis conservation and management strategies. Full article

It has been reported that applying silicon (Si) to agricultural soils can reduce N₂O emissions. But, we do not fully understand how this might work in forest ecosystems, especially in Phyllostachys edulis plantations. This study set out to determine how exogenous Si impacts soil nitrification and denitrification. Also, it aimed to assess their separate contributions to N₂O emissions. A pot incubation experiment that lasted 28 days was carried out under controlled conditions. The soil used was collected from a bamboo plantation that is intensively managed. The treatments included adding silicon. Also, 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) and acetylene (C₂H₂) were applied to specifically hold back nitrification and denitrification. We measured the rates of soil N₂O emissions, the cumulative fluxes, and the concentrations of NH₄⁺-N, NO₃⁻-N, and NO₂⁻-N. A positive correlation that was significant (p < 0.05) was found between N₂O emissions and the levels of soil NO₃⁻-N. Adding Si continued to reduce both the emission rate and the cumulative flux in all of the treatment groups. Also worth mentioning is that the relative contribution of denitrification to N₂O emissions dropped from 38.2% to 11.4%. Meanwhile, nitrification’s contribution went up from 61.8% to 88.6%. These findings show that adding Si mainly suppresses denitrification. And, by doing so, it lessens N₂O emissions in bamboo plantations. This study underlines the potential of Si amendments. They could be used as an effective management strategy to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in forest soils. It also provides a scientific basis for making Phyllostachys edulis ecosystems more sustainable. Full article

Highland bamboo (Oldeania alpina) plays a vital role in supporting local livelihoods, fostering biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management. Despite these benefits, its significant potential for carbon sequestration remains underutilized within Ethiopia’s climate mitigation strategies. In this study, we developed site-specific allometric equations to assess the biomass and carbon storage potential of highland bamboo. Data were collected from the Garamba natural bamboo forest and Hula homestead bamboo stands in the Sidama Regional State, Southern Ethiopia. Data on stand density and structure were gathered using systematically laid transects and sample plots, while plant samples were analyzed in the laboratory to determine the dry-to-fresh weight ratios. We developed allometric models to estimate the aboveground biomass (AGB) and carbon stock. The study results indicated that homestead bamboo stands exhibited higher biomass accumulation than natural bamboo stands. The AGB was estimated at 92.3 Mg ha⁻¹ in the natural forest and 118.3 Mg ha⁻¹ in homestead bamboo stands, with total biomass carbon storage of 52.1 Mg ha⁻¹ and 66.7 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively. The findings highlight the significant potential of highland bamboo for carbon sequestration in both natural stands and homesteads. Sustainable management of natural highland bamboo stands and integrating bamboo into farms can contribute to climate change mitigation, support ecosystem restoration, and enhance the socio-economic development of communities. Full article

As global efforts to achieve net-zero emissions intensify, the role of nature-based solutions (NbSs) in mitigating climate change through circular economy practices is increasingly recognized. This study evaluates the potential of various NbS strategies at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) campus to contribute to ambitious net-zero targets by 2030. Our research systematically analyzes baseline carbon emissions, stocks, and removals associated with the following three NbS strategies: improved forest management (IFM), afforestation on available land, and biochar application for soil carbon sequestration. The campus’s baseline emissions were calculated at 8367 MgCO₂e, with electricity consumption contributing 61% of total emissions. Our findings indicate that improved forest management can sequester 2476 MgCO₂ annually, while afforestation strategies utilizing fast-growing species, bamboo species, and slow-growing species have the potential to remove 7586 MgCO₂, 4711 MgCO₂, and 2131 MgCO₂ per year, respectively. In addition, biochar application across 70 hectares could result in cumulative carbon sequestration of 603 MgCO₂ per hectare by 2050. While net-zero emissions may not be achieved by 2030 under retrospective and stable baselines, projections suggest it will be realized shortly thereafter, with Scenario 1—combining IFM, fast-growing species, and biochar—achieving net-zero by 2033.5. These findings highlight the critical role of tailored NbSs in enabling small institutions like the AIT to effectively contribute to global net-zero targets, provided that these strategies are implemented and scaled appropriately. Full article

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carrière) J. Houz.) forests are a vital forest type in subtropical China. This study investigates the diversity, floristic composition, and phylogenetic structure of understory vegetation in these bamboo forests within evergreen broad-leaved forests of eastern subtropical China. Using grid-based sampling, we calculated species diversity and phylogenetic indices, and employed correlation analysis, redundancy analysis, and structural equation modeling to assess the effects of canopy closure, soil properties, and topography. The understory exhibited high species richness, with shrub layer demonstrating phytogeographic characteristics predominantly associated with tropical distribution types, while the herbaceous layer is characterized by temperate distribution types. Canopy closure and environmental factors significantly influenced shrub diversity, showing a clustered phylogenetic structure (NTI > 0, NRI > 0) and a negative correlation with species diversity. In contrast, the herb layer displayed a divergent phylogenetic structure (NTI < 0, NRI < 0), shaped by neutral stochastic processes, reflecting endemic taxa and interspecific interactions. These findings emphasize the need for targeted management practices to conserve understory biodiversity, focusing on enhancing floristic and phylogenetic diversity while protecting endemic species and their ecological interactions. Full article

Moso bamboo forests (MBFs) are unique subtropical ecosystems characterized by distinct leaf phenology, bamboo shoots, rapid growth, and carbon sequestration capability. Leaf area index (LAI) is an essential metric for evaluating the productivity and ecological quality of MBFs. However, accurate and large-scale methods for remote-sensing-based LAI monitoring during the winter growth stage remain underdeveloped. This study introduces a novel method integrating hyperspectral indices from Zhuhai-1 Orbit Hyperspectral Satellites (OHS) imagery with the particle swarm optimization-support vector machine (PSO-SVM) coupling model to estimate LAI in winter MBFs. Five traditional vegetation indices (VI_Rs) and their red-edge variants (VI_REs) were optimized to build empirical models. Machine learning algorithms, including SVM, Random Forest, extreme gradient boosting, and partial linear regression, were also applied. The PSO-SVM model, integrating three VI_Rs and three VI_REs, achieved the highest accuracy (R² = 0.721, RMSE = 0.490), outperforming traditional approaches. LAI was strongly correlated with indices, such as NDVI_R, RVI_R, EVI_RE, and SAVI_R (R > 0.77). LAI values of MBFs primarily ranged from 2.1 to 5.5 during winter, with values exceeding 4.5 indicating high winter bamboo shoot harvesting. These findings demonstrate the potential of OHS data to improve LAI retrieval models for large-scale LAI mapping, offering new insights into MBFs monitoring and contributing to sustainable forest management practices. Full article

Coastal erosion is a critical environmental challenge in the Upper Gulf of Thailand, driven by both natural processes and human activities. This study analyzes 35 years (1988–2023) of shoreline changes using geoinformatics, machine learning algorithms (Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Maximum Likelihood, Minimum Distance), and the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS). The results show that the Random Forest algorithm, utilizing spectral bands and indices (NDVI, NDWI, MNDWI, SAVI), achieved the highest classification accuracy (98.17%) and a Kappa coefficient of 0.9432, enabling reliable delineation of land and water boundaries. The extracted annual shorelines were validated with high accuracy, yielding RMSE values of 13.59 m (2018) and 8.90 m (2023). The DSAS analysis identified significant spatial and temporal variations in shoreline erosion and accretion. Between 1988 and 2006, the most intense erosion occurred in regions 4 and 5, influenced by sea-level rise, strong monsoonal currents, and human activities. However, from 2006 to 2018, erosion rates declined significantly, attributed to coastal protection structures and mangrove restoration. The period 2018–2023 exhibited a combination of erosion and accretion, reflecting dynamic sediment transport processes and the impact of coastal management measures. Over time, erosion rates declined due to the implementation of protective structures (e.g., bamboo fences, rock revetments) and the natural expansion of mangrove forests. However, localized erosion remains persistent in low-lying, vulnerable areas, exacerbated by tidal forces, rising sea levels, and seasonal monsoons. Anthropogenic activities, including urban development, mangrove deforestation, and aquaculture expansion, continue to destabilize shorelines. The findings underscore the importance of sustainable coastal management strategies, such as mangrove restoration, soft engineering coastal protection, and integrated land-use planning. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining machine learning and geoinformatics for shoreline monitoring and provides valuable insights for coastal erosion mitigation and enhancing coastal resilience in the Upper Gulf of Thailand. Full article

Bamboo, characterized by its high growth speed and short maturation period, occupies 0.875% of the global forest area and significantly contributes to terrestrial carbon cycling. The state of shoot growth can essentially indicate a bamboo forests’ health and productivity. This study explored the potential of backpack laser scanning (BLS) for monitoring the growth of Moso bamboo shoots (Phyllostachys edulis), a key economic species in subtropical China. Initially, the accuracy of BLS in extracting attributes of bamboo and shoots (including diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and real-world coordinates) was validated. An optimized method was developed to address the lower precision of BLS in extracting the DBH for thinner species. Subsequently, this research analyzed the impact of spatial structure and other indicators on shoot emergence stage and growth rate using a random forest model. The results indicate that BLS can accurately extract Moso bamboo and shoot height (RMSE = 0.748 m) even in dense bamboo forests. After optimization, the error in DBH extraction significantly decreased (RMSE = 0.835 cm), with the average planar and elevation errors for Moso bamboo being 0.227 m and 0.132 m, respectively. The main indicators affecting the coordinate error of Moso bamboo were the distance to the start (DS) and the distance to the trajectory (DT). The emergence time of shoots was mainly influenced by the surrounding Moso bamboo quantity, with the leaf area index (LAI) and competition index (CI) positively related to the growth rate of shoots. The importance ranking of spatial structure for the carbon storage of shoots was similar to that of the growth rate of shoots, with both identifying LAI as the most significant indicator. This study has validated the value of BLS in monitoring the growth of shoots, providing a theoretical support for the sustainable management and conservation of bamboo forests. Full article