Litter inputs exert greater influence over soil respiration and its temperature sensitivity than roots in a coniferous forest in north-south transition zone.

The changes in carbon inputs of litter and roots to forest soils caused by climate change will result in a serious cascade effect on soil respiration and its temperature sensitivity (Q). To differentiate and quantify the effects of surface litter and living roots on soil respiration and Q, and further explore the role of abiotic factors and microbial properties on soil respiration and Q, a short-term (two years) detritus input and removal treatment experiment was conducted in a coniferous forest of central China. Soil temperature, soil moisture, C/N, microbial biomass and community composition were analyzed to explore the drive mechanisms of soil respiration and Q in response to carbon inputs.

Contrasting effects of low-severity fire on stemflow production between coexisting pine and oak trees.

As climate change intensifies, fires events are predicted to increase in forest ecosystems. Fire alters the ecosystem structure and consequently, the hydrological cycle. However, little is known about the impacts of forest fire on stemflow.