Soil organic matter dynamics in density and particle-size fractions following destruction of tropical rainforest and the subsequent establishment of Imperata grassland in Indonesian Borneo using stable carbon isotopes

Abstract

Background and aims Large portions of the deforested areas in Southeast Asia have been ultimately replaced by the invasive grass Imperata cylindrica, but the dynamics of soil organic matter (SOM) during such land transitions are poorly understood. This study presents SOM dynamics in density and particle-size fractions following rainforest destruction and the subsequent establishment and persistence of Imperata grassland.