Abstract: Strip cutting of moso bamboo forests is a new strategy proposed in recent years to adapt to mechanized operation. Understanding the effects of strip cutting width on soil nutrient contents and stoichiometric ratios is of great significance for selecting reasonable cutting width and realizing sustainable management of moso bamboo forests. In this study, we compared the effects of different cutting widths (3, 6, 9, and 12 m) on the contents and ratios of soil C, N, P, with moso bamboo forest under traditional selective cutting as the control (CK). The results showed that with the increasing cutting width, the contents of soil C, N and P increased at first and then decreased. The contents of soil C, N, and P were the highest at 6 m and the lowest at 12 m. Soil C/P and N/P increased first and then decreased with increasing cutting width, whereas C/N was relatively stable. The cutting width of 6 m had significantly greater soil C/P than the cutting width of 12 m, while the cutting width of 3 m and 6 m had significantly greater soil N/P than the cutting width of 12 m. In conclusion, the cutting width of 6 m was most beneficial to the accumulation of soil C and N, with higher C/N, C/P, N/P, and more balanced nutrient ratios. Moreover, moso bamboo forest was influenced by the dual constraints of N and P contents, and soil P was more deficient. It is necessary to ensure soil nutrient balance through P fertilizer application and promote the rapid recovery of moso bamboo forest in strip cutting areas in the short term.

Key words: Phyllostachys edulis, strip cutting, soil nutrient, stoichiometric ratio.