Field-Based Estimation of Carbon Stocks of Bamboo Forests Across China

Abstract

Bamboo forests substantially contribute to the biogeochemical cycling of carbon (C) and help mitigate climate change. Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), which occupies the largest bamboo forest area globally, is widely distributed across China. However, the C stocks of these forests and their controlling factors remain poorly quantified due to a lack of large-scale field data. Here, we conducted a nationwide survey of 322 plots and 1,245 soil samples throughout the full distribution range of moso bamboo forests in China. We estimated a total ecosystem C stock of 511.0 ± 9.9 Tg C, with 29% stored in vegetation and 71% in soil (0–50 cm). Vegetation C density was weakly influenced by climate but increased under moderate human disturbance. Soil C density was shaped by both climate and human activity: higher temperature, precipitation, and wetness index promoted soil C accumulation, whereas intensive disturbance indirectly reduced soil C by decreasing soil moisture and nitrogen content. These findings suggest that increasing drought and intensified human activity may reduce soil C sequestration in bamboo ecosystems. Our study provides a new field-based estimate of C stocks in China's bamboo forests and offers insights to improve biogeochemical models and inform C sink management.