Biochar-Based Compound Fertilizers Enhances Carbon Sequestration and Mitigates Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Moso Bamboo Forests

Abstract

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) forests play a significant role in carbon sequestration, but their sustainability is threatened by nutrient depletion and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study aims to evaluate fertilization strategies that optimize both economic returns and environmental protection in these forests. A 1-year field experiment (three treatments with four replicates) was conducted to examine the effects of biochar and chemical fertilizer application on soil carbon and nitrogen pools, microbial community composition, ecosystem carbon stock, and GHG fluxes in a subtropical Moso bamboo forest. Biochar-based compound fertilizer application increased soil organic carbon (SOC) by 12.6%, reduced microbial residual carbon (MRC) by 8.2%, and enhanced CH₄ absorption by 22.4%. In addition, it decreased N₂O emissions by 16.5%. In contrast, chemical fertilizer increased short-term biomass productivity (24.8%) but resulted in higher CO₂ and N₂O emissions. Neither treatment significantly affected microbial α-diversity, but both altered microbial community composition, particularly fungi, with biochar favoring beneficial fungal species. Biochar-based compound fertilizer is a promising strategy for enhancing carbon sequestration and mitigating GHG emissions in Moso bamboo forests. These findings highlight biochar's potential to improve soil health and contribute to more sustainable bamboo forest management, offering valuable insights for climate change mitigation strategies.