Over a decade later, soil carbon stores in boreal forests are resilient to extensive tree mortality

The study was conducted across 80 stands dominated by lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. Ex. Loud. var. latifolia Engel.) in west-central Alberta, Canada. To assess the influence of mountain pine beetle (MPB; Dendroctonus ponderosae) disturbance on soil carbon and nitrogen storage, we selected disturbed (at least 70% canopy lodgepole pine morality by MPB) and intact stands. Disturbance occurred approximately 12–16 years prior. We surveyed soils and vegetation between June and August 2022. We separated soils into mineral-associated organic matter and particulate organic matter to measure carbon and nitrogen. We collected and scored roots from common plant species observed for mycorrhizal presence and identity and determined the dominant mycorrhizal type of each stand.