Dynamics of soil phosphorus fractions during the early recovery stage of two typical plantations in China after strip clearcutting

•Strip clearcutting negatively impacts the P fractions in the soil of C. lanceolata.•The optimal clearcutting width varies between different tree species.•Shorter clearcutting widths hinder the early recovery of two tree species.•Nitrogen plays a crucial role in regulating the conversion of P. Strip clearcutting of plantations is a crucial method for mitigating nutrient limitations and promoting the development of plantations. In this study, we explored the changes in soil phosphorus (P) fractions and related environmental factors in clearcutting belts (CBs) and corresponding reserve belts (RBs) (10CB and 15RB, 20CB and 30RB, 30CB and 45RB) of different widths during the early stages of clearcutting recovery, with common plantations (Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations and Cryptomeria japonica plantations) as the research object. The results revealed no significant differences in P fractions content between the CB and corresponding RB for either tree species plantation. Despite an increase in labile P levels in C. lanceolata plantations (+41.18 %), strip clearcutting negatively impacted the P fractions of both plantation soils during the early stages of post-clearcutting recovery. This suggests that the effect of clearcutting is more pronounced on labile P. Regarding the early recovery stage, soil P of C. japonica plantations showed better recovery under the 20CB and corresponding 30RB. Conversely, soil P of C. lanceolata plantations exhibited better recovery under the 30CB and corresponding 45RB. Although acid phosphatase (ACP) significantly affected organic P in C. japonica plantations and inorganic P in C. lanceolata plantations, soil organic carbon, moisture, and nitrogen (N) were the main drivers of changes in P fractions. In contrast, the primary driver of labile P varied considerably among plantation types. Notably, moderately labile P and non-labile P were affected by N to varying degrees, likely due to the high levels of N deposition in the region. This finding suggests that the effects of strip clearcutting on soil P is jointly determined by species and environment. It highlights the intricate interplay of different factors in the context of strip clearcutting. It provides valuable data for the management of plantations and nutrient restoration in forested areas following clearcutting.