Objective To investigate the distribution and stability characteristics of soil aggregates in different Chinese fir-broadleaf mixed forests, providing a theoretical basis for improving soil stability in degraded plantations and selecting suitable broadleaf tree species for mixed planting. Methods Ten mixed stands of Chinese fir with different broadleaf species, established 20 years ago in Lechang Forest Farm, Guangdong Province, were selected as study sites. The dry and wet sieving methods were used to analyze the effects of Chinese fir-broadleaf mixed forests on particle size distribution and stability of soil aggregates in degraded plantations. The relationships between soil physicochemical properties and soil stability were explored. Results (1) In all mixed forests, soil macroaggregates (particle size>0.25 mm) accounted for a large proportion, ranging from 67% to 98%, indicating good soil stability after mixed planting. (2) Overall, significant differences in soil aggregate distribution were observed among different stand types. Specifically, Michelia odora, Michelia chapensis, and Cinnamomum burmanni had a higher proportion of macroaggregates (particle size>0.25 mm), whereas Cinnamomum porrectum and Schima superba had a relatively higher proportion of microaggregates (particle size<0.25 mm). (3) Except for Cinnamomum burmanni, soil aggregate stability in all mixed forest stands tended to increase with soil depth. (4) Soil stability showed significantly positive correlations with total phosphorus (TP), pH, water mass content (WMC), and bulk density (BD), while it was negatively correlated with percentage of aggregate destruction (PAD), mass fractal dimension (Dm), total nitrogen (TN), and soil organic carbon (SOC). Among these, TP, TN, SOC, and pH were key factors affecting soil stability. Conclusion Chinese fir-broadleaf mixed forests help improve soil stability in pure Chinese fir forests, with Michelia odora, Michelia chapensis, and Cinnamomum burmanni showing particularly positive effects on soil stability when mixed with Chinese fir.
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