Q10 values of soil respiration in Japanese forests

Q(10) is the most important index of soil respiration, and is essential for accurate prediction of soil carbon response to global warming. The response of soil carbon storage is an issue on global and regional scales. In this study, published Q(10) values of soil respiration in Japanese forests were examined (n = 44). The Q(10) values ranged from 1.30 to 3.45, and the mean value was 2.18 (SD = 0.61, median = 2.02). These results were slightly lower than those of global compilations. The number of studies of Q(10) values is still lacking, especially with regard to those in managed forests, those in northeast Japan, and those using modern measurement techniques such as infrared gas analysis. For accurate prediction of soil carbon dynamics and storage in Japanese forests, more such studies are required.