Chemistry of decomposing mulching materials and the effect on soil carbon dynamics under a Phyllostachys praecox bamboo stand

Purpose Heavy winter mulch treatments are commonly practiced in Phyllostachys praecox bamboo forests to increase bamboo shoot production in early spring in subtropical China. The aim of this study was to quantify the chemical behaviour of the mulching materials and the immediate response of soil carbon (C) to the heavy winter mulch treatments.