Shusheng 2022

Terrestrial ecosystems are important carbon and nitrogen sinks whose carbon sink capacity is determined by the type of land use. The described study explores the use of soil carbon and nitrogen as ecological indicators and annual output per hectare as an economic indicator in an agroforestry ecotone. Corn fields, <em>Pinus tabuliformis</em> plantations, and hazelnut plantations (eco-economic forests) were taken as the research objects. Our aim was to reveal the contribution of different land use types to ecology and economy benefits, then highlight land-use development models that are suitable for this region. The results show that hazelnut plantations hold the highest contents of SOC and TN, which are significantly different from those found for corn fields. The corn field holds the lowest contents of SOC and TN. According to the survey results, the economic output per hectare follows the order of hazelnut plantations &gt; corn fields &gt; <em>Pinus tabuliformis</em> plantations. We concluded that hazelnut plantations are not only suitable for protecting ecology but also guarantee economic income in this region. Further, in similar areas, considering the ecological and economic aspects, the development of planting eco-economic forests should be the mainstay.