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The Impact of a Ski Piste on the Stock and Stoichiometry of Soil Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus: A Case Study on a Forest Area in Northeast China

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  • Yongjie Han

    (School of Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
    Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management–Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China)

  • Yichen Duan

    (School of Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
    Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management–Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China)

  • Huabin Zhao

    (School of Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
    Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management–Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China)

  • Luna Zhang

    (School of Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
    Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management–Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China)

  • Xingchang Wang

    (School of Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
    Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management–Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China)

  • Haiyan Zhang

    (College of Exercise Science and Health, Harbin Sport University, Harbin 150006, China)

Abstract

The construction of sports spaces such as ski resorts leads to deforestation, soil degradation and carbon (C) loss. However, the impact of ski pistes on soil C and nutrients remains unclear. The impact of an 18-year-old ski piste operation on the stock and stoichiometry of soil C, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), bulk density, and water content across a 0–100 cm profile in a forest area in Northeast China was quantitatively assessed using the equivalent soil mass method and fixed depth method. The fixed depth method overestimated soil C, N and P stocks of the SP by 5% to 8% of 0–100 cm stocks of soil C and nutrients relative to the equivalent soil mass method used as a reference. The equivalent soil mass method demonstrated that the ski piste soil C, N, and P stocks were significantly reduced by 27.4%, 21.3%, and 27.5%, respectively, in comparison to the undisturbed forest. Surface layers (0–10 cm) exhibited the highest C and N losses, while deep soil (>50 cm) showed significant C, N and P depletion. The ski piste significantly reduced surface C:N (15.8%) and C:P (38.0%) ratios, indicating decoupled nutrient constraints on C loss. Soil compaction increased bulk density in surface layers (0–10 cm) but reduced it in deeper strata, correlating with altered C physical interdependencies. The findings highlight the vertical stratification of disturbance effects, emphasizing the critical role of stoichiometric controls and methodological considerations in assessing anthropogenic impacts on soil ecosystems. These insights are vital for the sustainable management of ski resorts to mitigate soil degradation.

Suggested Citation

  • Yongjie Han & Yichen Duan & Huabin Zhao & Luna Zhang & Xingchang Wang & Haiyan Zhang, 2025. "The Impact of a Ski Piste on the Stock and Stoichiometry of Soil Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus: A Case Study on a Forest Area in Northeast China," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:4:p:846-:d:1633570
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    References listed on IDEAS

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