Editorial: Understanding the Relationship between Extreme Climate Events and Forest Soil Hydrology: Implications for Ecosystem Functions

Yuchuan Fan ^1* Youjin Yan ^2* Fengling Gan ^3* Quanhou Dai ^4* Xi Zhang ^5*

• ¹ Jiyang College, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Zhuji, Zhejiang Province, China
• ² Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
• ³ Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
• ⁴ Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
• ⁵ Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, Herbert College of Agriculture, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

The accelerating pace of global warming and the associated rise in the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events have brought unprecedented challenges to ecosystems worldwide. Forest soils, a cornerstone for biodiversity preservation, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem stability, are particularly sensitive to these climatic changes. Rising temperatures, coupled with severe events such as prolonged droughts, intense rainfall, and wildfires, have disturbed forest soil hydrological processes, influencing solute transport, nutrient cycling, and carbon storage.The increasing urgency to understand and address these issues has motivated this Research Topic: "Understanding the Relationship between Extreme Climate Events and Forest Soil Hydrology: Implications for Ecosystem Functions." This special issue seeks to unravel the complex interactions between forest soil hydrology and ecosystem functions under extreme climate conditions and to explore the role of sustainable management strategies, such as afforestation and ecological restoration, in mitigating these impacts. Contributions in this collection represent an important step toward enhancing our understanding and management of forest ecosystems in a warming world. Zhou et al. (2024) investigated the dynamics and stability of carbon sinks in China's terrestrial ecosystems under future climate scenarios. Using advanced modeling approaches, the authors identified vapor pressure deficit and temperature variability as key factors influencing carbon sink stability. Their findings reveal that although carbon sink capacity may increase, its stability could be undermined in regions experiencing frequent extreme climate events. This study underscores the importance of adaptive carbon management policies [5]. and soil water content. The findings provide actionable insights for water resource management and ecological protection in regions experiencing rapid environmental changes [3].The studies presented in this Research Topic collectively emphasize the need for integrated forest management strategies to address the challenges posed by extreme climate events. Key recommendations include: 1) Targeted Management Practices: Different management strategies should be developed for natural and planted forests to address unique nutrient and hydrological challenges. 2) Adaptive Carbon Policies: Enhancing carbon sink stability requires policies that address the interplay between hydrological processes and carbon dynamics. This special issue sheds light on the intricate relationships between forest soil hydrology and ecosystem functions under extreme climate conditions. By addressing these complex interactions, the studies provide a robust foundation for developing resilient forest ecosystems capable of sustaining their critical functions in a changing climate. We hope this collection inspires continued interdisciplinary research and collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and forest managers to safeguard forest ecosystems and their invaluable services.