Individual tree and stand-level carbon and nutrient contents across one rotation of loblolly pine plantations on a reclaimed surface mine

The study investigated the carbon and nutrient contents in aboveground components of reclaimed loblolly pine plantations on mined lands in east Texas, USA, over a 32-year period. The aim was to compare these metrics to those from unmined pine plantations. Individual tree and stand-level analyses were conducted, with variables like tree size, age, and site index taken into account. The findings showed that the carbon and nutrient contents in the reclaimed loblolly pines either exceeded or followed similar trends as those in unmined lands. The best predictors for individual tree stem carbon and nutrient contents were found to be diameter and height, followed by stand age. A model was developed to estimate stand-level carbon and nutrients using stand age, which fitted well, indicating a predictable aggradation over time. Overall, the study successfully modeled the reclaimed loblolly pine's aboveground carbon and nutrients, suggesting a comparable elemental cycling with unmined lands, thus demonstrating the model's applicability to similar ecosystems.