Carbon density in geomantic forests in Guangzhou, China

Typical geomantic forests were studied in Guangzhou, and their carbon (C) density composition and distribution patterns were investigated. Ecosystem, vegetation, and soil C density were (259.17±69.67) t/hm², (194.04±54.07) t/hm², and (65.13±19.30) t/hm², respectively. The C densities of different dominant species in the geomantic forests differed significantly, with the highest C density for Castanopsis carlesii (Hemsl.) Hayata. (310.57±62.65 t/hm²). The ecosystem C storage was dominated by the tree layer (more than 90% of the vegetation). The main factors that affected forest vegetation C density in the geomantic forest were mean tree diameter at breast height (DBH), stand basal area (BA), stand density, soil bulk density, and soil C content, but not the species diversity indices. These results confirmed the importance of stand structure on C storage and dynamic reallocation in geomantic forests. Therefore, improving the complexity of community structure in geomantic forests during forest management might enhance forest C storage.