Potential effects of fertilization strategies on greenhouse gas emissions from bamboo forest soils

Aims Bamboo forests represent a unique forest ecosystem, where scientific and rational management is essential for enhancing carbon sequestration and ecological functions. Fertilization, as one of the most common and crucial management practices, significantly influences soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, a comprehensive multiscale assessment of the effects of different fertilization strategies on these emissions remains limited. Methods A meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the impacts of various fertilization strategies on soil GHG emissions in bamboo forests, utilizing 264 data sets from 44 studies. Additionally, correlation analysis was employed to examine the influence of environmental factors on these emissions. Results Chemical fertilizer (CF) significantly increased CO ₂ emissions by 21.36% and N ₂ O emissions by 90.22%, leading to a 47.01% rise in CO ₂ -equivalent emissions. Biochar addition (BA) reduced N ₂ O emissions by 27.54% despite increasing CO ₂ emissions by 15.43%. In contrast, silicate fertilizer (SIF) significantly decreased CO ₂ and N ₂ O emissions by 30.33% and 42.27%, while low-level nitrogen deposition (ND_L) significantly elevated CO ₂ and N ₂ O emissions by 19.82% and 37.20%, respectively. The combined application of biochar and chemical fertilizer (BA + CF) increased CO ₂ emissions by 33.96%. Furthermore, in strongly acidic soils (pH < 5.5), fertilization significantly enhanced CO ₂ emissions by 16.37%. Conclusions The conventional application rates of biochar-based fertilize (BF) and SIF can serve as effective alternatives to traditional fertilizers. The emission reduction potential of BA, OF and BA + CF is also notable, but excessive application should be avoided. Additionally, factors such as environmental nitrogen deposition, topography, and soil physicochemical properties significantly influence GHG emissions.