Soil C, N and P stocks and stoichiometry under different vegetation on the surface of the Leshan Giant Buddha

The accumulation of soil organic matter and nutrients is an important pathway in effectively understanding the mechanisms of plant settlement and rock weathering, while the characteristics of soil organic carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) under different vegetation remain unclear. In this study, the stocks and stoichiometry of soil organic C, N and P were determined in different positions and types of vegetation on the surface of the Leshan Giant Buddha. We found that the total stocks of soil organic C, N and P were 1689.77, 134.6 and 29.48 kg, respectively, for the Buddha. The stocks of soil organic C, N and P under vascular plants were higher than those under other vegetation, with highest values observed under herb. Higher stocks per unit area (m2) of soil organic C, N and P were found on the left and right arms, shoulders, and two platforms. These results provide a full primary picture in understanding soil organic C, N and P accumulation and distribution on the surface of the Buddha, which could supply the fundamental data on weathering management of the Buddha and other similar open-air stone carvings.