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Surface soil carbon size–density fractions altered by loblolly pine families and forest management intensity for a Spodosol in the southeastern US

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Abstract

The effects of genotypic differences on soil organic carbon (SOC) cycling and their interactions with forest management systems are poorly understood. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of family and family × management interactions on SOC and to evaluate the distribution of SOC across different size–density fractions in a forested Spodosol. The study site consisted of a 6-year-old loblolly pine plantation that was managed under two intensities (high and low level of fertilization and chemical understory control) and included three full-sib families (fast, medium and slow growers, designated a priori based on above ground growth). The fast growing family exhibited 59% higher C (p = 0.04) than the slow growing family in the 2,000 to 250-μm light density fraction. The medium grower exhibited 8% higher aggregate C than the fast grower in the 250 to 150-μm medium density (p = 0.05) and 2,000 to 250-μm heavy density (p = 0.06) fractions. Family and management effects were detected among all three density fractions. The 2,000 to 250-μm medium density fraction contained the most C. A modified size–density fractionation and sonication procedure proved sensitive for detecting significant family and management effects in as few as 6 years. These results highlight the potential of genotypic deployment as a factor influencing C sequestration and the need to fully understand the long-term effects of genotypic differences and forest management activities on SOC pools.

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Acknowledgements

We wish to thank the Forest Industrial members of the Forest Biology Research Cooperative, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida for their monetary support for this research with particular thanks to International Paper Co. for the use of the study on their lands. We also wish to thank US Department of Agriculture grant #2002-00501 funded through the “Nutrient Science for Improved Watershed Management” program for funds in support of the research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Soil and Water Science, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110290, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0290, USA

    D. V. Sarkhot & N. B. Comerford

  2. School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110410, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0410, USA

    E. J. Jokela

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  1. D. V. Sarkhot
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  2. E. J. Jokela
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  3. N. B. Comerford
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Correspondence to E. J. Jokela.

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Sarkhot, D.V., Jokela, E.J. & Comerford, N.B. Surface soil carbon size–density fractions altered by loblolly pine families and forest management intensity for a Spodosol in the southeastern US. Plant Soil 307, 99–111 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-008-9587-3

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