Dynamics of Forest Floor, Soil Organic Matter, and Carbon Stock Estimation in Temperate Forests of Romania

Temperate forests are crucial in global carbon dynamics, acting as significant carbon pools through biomass accumulation and soil organic matter storage. This study investigates the dynamics of the forest floor, soil organic matter, and carbon stock estimation on species type, age and forest management. The research focuses on Romania's temperate forests, on broadleaf, coniferous and mixed stands in the Southern Carpathians. The measurements were conducted across a systematic grid network of 450 plots, each combining two circular plots of 500 m² in size. These plots span an altitudinal gradient from 500 to 1650 meters above sea level (ASL), providing a robust dataset for analyzing carbon dynamics. Our research evaluates the contribution of forest floor components - litter, coarse woody debris and fine roots - to total carbon stocks, alongside soil organic matter dynamics at 30 cm depth. The study also integrates tree biomass data for major species such as beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), silver fir (Abies alba Mill. ), and Norway spruce (Picea abies L.), providing a comprehensive assessment of carbon sequestration potential.
Our preliminary results reveal significant differences in both forest floor weight and bulk density between management types. Plots in conservation areas had a significantly higher mean forest floor weight (21.1 tonnes/ha) than production plots (17.9 tonnes/ha, p < 0.01), while their mean bulk density was significantly lower (0.84 Mg/m³ vs. 0.96 Mg/m³, p < 0.01). These findings, combined with higher forest floor weight in conservation plots, underline the critical role of management strategies on soil carbon storage. The results also highlight the influence of forest type, stand age, and management practices on carbon storage, emphasizing their importance in climate change mitigation and sustainable forest management. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing forest management strategies to enhance carbon sequestration and improve understanding of carbon fluxes in temperate ecosystems. The findings are particularly relevant for aligning forest policies with national and international climate goals.