Abstract: Environmental DNA (eDNA) refers to DNA that can be directly extracted from environmental samples (such as soil, water, air and ice core). As such, eDNA has been utilized as a new biological survey method which is comprised of capturing eDNA, gene analysis and result analysis and can be used to monitor the distribution of organisms by detecting speciesspecific target DNA. Compared with traditional biological survey methods, eDNA has been demonstrated to be more sensitive, efficient, effective and noninvasive, and importantly does not depend on ecological or natural history expertise from researchers. To date, the eDNA method has seen myriad applications such as (1) the presence/absence of rare species (invasive and endangered species), (2) the estimation of population biomass, and (3) the monitoring of aquatic ecosystem biodiversity, among others. Despite having shown brilliant potential for conservation management and the protection of ecosystems, this method has only been applied in some advanced countries and warrants expansion worldwide. eDNA methods vary from different researchers and need to be improved to standards. As a survey method, its temporal and spatial precision should also be further evaluated. The accuracy of harnessing eDNA to estimate biomass is still low; we recommend researchers understand the dynamics of eDNA generation and degradation firstly and then search the method to improve the accuracy.

Key words: biomass, development stage, nutrient characteristics, carbon storage, Larix kaempferi plantation