In-situ priming effect in a subtropical forest soil

While controlled condition studies showed that plant litter inputs can influence soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition, i.e., the priming effect, the long-term dynamics in the field is still unknown. We conducted a 14-month field study in a subtropical forest plantation, where 13C labelled needle and fine root litters of Cunninghamia lanceolata were added into soils, and 13C was traced in CO2 efflux.