The multidimensional impacts of plantation forests on soil health: Mechanistic insights, challenge assessment, and regulation strategies

• Published in: Geographical Research Bulletin Vol. 4; pp. 379 - 397
• Main Authors: Zhang, Lihua, Zhang, Lanhai, Liao, Xiaofeng, Wang, Junfeng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Japanese
• Published: Resources Economics Research Board 27.05.2025
• Subjects: microbial communities; plantation forests; soil health; soil properties; sustainable forestry
• ISSN: 2758-1446
• DOI: 10.50908/grb.4.0_379

Plantation forests, as an important land use form, play a significant role in enhancing timber supply and improving ecological environments. However, their large-scale establishment exerts profound and complex impacts on soil health. This study systematically reviews the effects and mechanisms of plantation forests on soil physicochemical properties, biological characteristics, and disease occurrence. The findings indicate that plantation forests significantly alter soil physical structure and chemical properties, including changes in soil organic matter content, nutrient dynamics, and water retention capacity, as well as notable effects on soil pH and trace element balance. In the biological dimension, plantation forests substantially affect the diversity and functional activity of soil fauna and microbial communities, influencing soil biological functions and ecosystem services. Moreover, continuous cropping obstacles and microbial community imbalances are identified as key factors contributing to frequent soil diseases, posing threats to the sustainable productivity of plantation forests. To address these challenges, this study explores integrated strategies for regulating soil health in plantation forests, such as optimizing fertilization techniques, implementing scientific management practices, and designing rational afforestation configurations. These measures aim to improve soil physicochemical properties, restore microbial balance, and alleviate continuous cropping obstacles, thereby enhancing the ecological benefits and productivity of plantation forests.