Soil water

Agronomy

Biology

Reforestation

Afforestation

Soil organic matter

Forest floor

Environmental science

Forest ecology

Soil carbon

Secondary forest

Forest management

Soil biodiversity

Soil science

Ecology

Agroforestry

Ecosystem

Forest Ecology and Management

Almost half of the total organic carbon (C) in terrestrial ecosystems is stored in forest soils. By altering rates of input or release of C from soils, forest management activities can influence soil C stocks in forests. In this review, we synthesize current evidence regarding the influences of 13 common forest management practices on forest soil C stocks. Afforestation of former croplands generally increases soil C stocks, whereas on former grasslands and peatlands, soil C stocks are unchanged or even reduced following afforestation. The conversion of primary forests to secondary forests generally reduces soil C stocks, particularly if the land is converted to an agricultural land-use prior to reforestation. Harvesting, particularly clear-cut harvesting, generally results in a reduction in soil C stocks, particularly in the forest floor and upper mineral soil. Removal of residues by harvesting whole-trees and stumps negatively affects soil C stocks. Soil disturbance from site preparation decreases soil C sto...

Tamm Review: Influence of forest management activities on soil organic carbon stocks: A knowledge synthesis