Influence of Stand Types on the C-N-P Stoichiometric Characteristics of Litter and Soil Aggregate in Chinese Fir Plantations

Litter and soil C-N-P stoichiometry are of great significance for the sustainable development of Chinese fir plantations (Cunninghamia lanceolata).This research aims to explore the influence of stand types (including C. lanceolata × Mytilaria laocsensis, C. lanceolata × Michelia macclurei, and the pure stand type of C. lanceolata) on the C-N-P stoichiometric characteristics of litter and soil aggregates (including >2, 2-0.25, and <0.25 mm fractions) in Chinese fir plantations.Compared to the mixed stand types, the pure stand type had a higher level of litter C content and C/N ratio.However, litter C, N, and P stocks, together with soil organic C (C org ) and total N (N tot ) contents, stocks, and C/N/P ratios, were highest in the mixed stand types.Irrespective of the stand types, a decline in the size of soil aggregates was associated with an increase in the contents and ratios of soil C org , N tot , and total P (P tot ), and a converse trend was noted for their stock.Overall, this research helped to understand the C, N, and P dynamics of soil and litter among Chinese fir plantations, providing valuable insights for future Chinese fir cultivation practices.