Theoretical and Methodological Framework for Monitoring Feedback Mechanisms Among Soil Moisture Dynamics, Soil Organic Matter and Deadwood in Forests

Abstract

Background

Deadwood in forests may counteract climate change by enhancing water and carbon cycle. Feedback mechanisms and long-term impacts are yet to be uncovered.

Aims

This study established a comprehensive monitoring system to assess the interactions among soil moisture dynamics, soil organic matter, and coarse woody debris (CWD).

Methods

We conducted a literature review of the current state of the art in measuring and monitoring the various elements of the water and carbon cycles in forest stands as a basis for developing a model setup for an integrated monitoring system. A near-natural beech forest was used as an example.

Results

There is a lack of systems that integrate water and carbon cycles of forest stands so feedback mechanisms could not be detected. In addition, few studies consider the effects of variability of water and carbon fluxes, which are necessary to determine the effects of deadwood on ecosystem functions.

Conclusions

Hence, we developed a setup which provides a novel, integrated approach to monitoring forest ecosystem processes, focusing on the critical role of deadwood. This framework enables the assessment of feedback mechanisms between hydrological and biogeochemical cycles, providing valuable insights for climate-resilient forest management.