https://doi.org/10.1111/sum.13108
Combined, cold, high acidity, low availability of nitrogen and phosphorus, high water-table, and fungal-dominated populations shape the boreal forest system into one capable of storing vast amounts of carbon in relatively stable fashion, despite frequent disturbance. Naturally, most carbon is stored in surface organic horizons and aboveground biomass. Climate change could alter some of these limitations, particularly temperature, hastening carbon cycling or otherwise destabilizing boreal forest systems beyond their capability to adapt and react (e.g. increased fire frequency). Additionally, climate-facilitated shifts in soil biota (e.g. earthworms) may introduce yet-to-be quantified changes in soil carbon cycling and soil horizonation. However, there might be room for cautious optimism. Given that boreal landscapes are shaped by disturbances (e.g. large annual swings between hot and cold, fire, hydrology, cryoturbation, etc.), it is possible that they may prove more resilient in the face of global climate change than previously thought, especially when various feedback loops are considered.
Jeremiah D. Vallotton, Adrian Unc
