Ecological Processes and Carbon Dynamics in Subtropical Ecosystems Under Global Change

This Research Topic aims to explore the intricate interplay among ecological processes, carbon sequestration, and hydrological dynamics in subtropical regions, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable karst ecosystems. Subtropical climate zones represent critical yet understudied frontiers in the context of global climate change, undergoing rapid alterations in temperature, precipitation patterns, and the frequency of extreme weather events. These environmental shifts profoundly affect forest productivity, soil microbial communities, and the carbon sink capacity of these ecosystems.

A comprehensive understanding of these complex interactions is essential for informing effective ecological restoration practices and climate change mitigation strategies. This Article Collection invites multidisciplinary research that integrates field ecology, remote sensing, soil science, and ecological modeling. We seek to assemble high-quality original research articles, reviews, and methodological advances that illuminate the resilience, functioning, and management of subtropical ecosystems under increasing anthropogenic pressures.

Key themes include, but are not limited to:

• Soil Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemical Cycling: Studies on the responses of soil microbial communities to climate change and land-use history; investigations into the mechanisms regulating soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, stabilization, and sequestration, particularly in the context of ecological restoration initiatives.

• Eco-Hydrological Interactions: Research examining the linkages between ecological restoration, vegetation dynamics, and hydrological processes (e.g., water retention, runoff regulation, erosion control). How do changes in water availability feedback to influence carbon cycling and ecosystem stability?

• Karst Ecosystem Dynamics: Studies focused on the unique characteristics and challenges of karst environments, which are defined by shallow soils and high hydrological sensitivity. Research may include soil carbon sink potential, vegetation adaptation strategies, and assessments of restoration success in these fragile systems.

• Remote Sensing and Carbon Sink Monitoring: Application of advanced remote sensing technologies (e.g., LiDAR, hyperspectral imaging, satellite time series) to quantify vegetation biomass, forest productivity, and spatial-temporal carbon flux patterns across subtropical landscapes.

• Forest Productivity and Ecosystem Resilience: Evaluations of how climate-related stressors (e.g., drought, heatwaves, elevated CO₂) affect forest growth, mortality, and regeneration. Studies exploring species traits and community compositions that enhance ecosystem resilience are particularly encouraged.

• Integrated Restoration Strategies: Comparative analyses of ecological restoration techniques aimed at improving biodiversity, enhancing ecosystem services, increasing carbon storage, and promoting soil health in degraded subtropical and karst landscapes.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Subtropical Ecosystems, Karst, Climate Change, Remote Sensing, Vegetation Carbon Sink, Soil Carbon Sequestration, Microbial Ecology, Ecohydrology, Ecological Restoration, Forest Productivity, Nitrogen Cycling, Carbon-Nitrogen Interaction

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.