Land use and cover change (LUCC) significantly impacts global carbon cycles. This study explores LUCC's role in China's land carbon cycle using meta-analysis and an ecosystem model. Findings reveal a 39.2% loss of soil organic carbon (SOC) due to LUCC, mitigated by afforestation, which doubles gross primary productivity. Indirect climate effects, especially soil bulk density, significantly impact SOC. LUCC increased China's terrestrial carbon sink, with net ecosystem productivity reaching 0.02 ± 0.12 Pg C yr⁻¹. Reforestation and afforestation are crucial for future carbon management.

Yue Cheng, Peng Luo, Hao Yang, Mingwang Li, Ming Ni, Honglin Li, Yu Huang, Wenwen Xie, Lihuan Wang