Arid Zone Research ›› 2025, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (5): 895-906.doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.12

• Plant Ecology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Effects of levelling stubble on the growth of shrub communities and carbon sequestration in the shallow mountain belt of the northern slope of Tianshan Mountains

LIU Xin1(), ZHANG Yutao2,3(), SHI Qingdong1, LI Jimei2,3, SUN Xuejiao2,3   

  1. 1. College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, Xinjiang, China
    2. Xinjiang Academy of Forestry, Urumqi 830063, Xinjiang, China
    3. Xinjiang Tianshan Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Urumqi 830063, Xinjiang, China
  • Received:2025-01-02 Revised:2025-03-26 Online:2025-05-15 Published:2025-10-22
  • Contact: ZHANG Yutao E-mail:lx779228239@163.com;zyt218@163.com

Abstract:

This study aims to investigate the effects of stumping on the growth and carbon sequestration capacity of shrub communities in the low mountain belt on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains. Within the shrub communities of Berberis atrocarpa, Rosa platyacantha and Spiraea hypericifolia, four different stumping height treatments were set up: complete stumping (QP), leaving 1/2 of the original plant height (LG1/2), leaving 1/4 of the original plant height (LG1/4), and an un-coppiced control (CK). The growth indices of the shrub communities (ground diameter, crown width, dead branch ratio, and new branch length), carbon sequestration, and changes in soil microbial and enzyme activities were monitored. The results showed that: (1) The growth indices of the shrub communities were most responsive to the QP treatment, with new branch height increasing by 109.2% and the dead branch ratio decreasing by 88.1%, resulting in significant differences in the QP treatment. (2) The QP, LG1/2, and LG1/4 treatments increased the net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) of the shrub communities by 195.3%, 157.6%, and 177.4%, respectively, and decreased ecosystem respiration (ER) by 51.2%, 51.7%, and 66.5%, respectively, and soil respiration (RS) by 67.4%, 49.6%, and 12.2%, respectively. The carbon exchange of the shrub communities under the three stumping treatments showed significant differences compared with the control. (3) stumping significantly increased soil carbon content and enzyme activity in the shrub communities, and soil carbon exchange was significantly positively correlated with soil biotic factors (microbial biomass carbon, soil organic carbon, and soil enzyme activity). In conclusion, rational stumping measures can effectively enhance the growth and carbon sequestration capacity of shrub communities in the low mountain belt on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains. Complete stumping (QP) is the most effective in promoting shrub community growth and enhancing carbon sink function in this area, and it has a positive effect on mitigating the increase of CO2 in the regional atmosphere.

Key words: carbon balance, flat stubble, shrub communities, net ecosystem, CO2 exchange