Field‐Based Estimation of Carbon Stocks of Bamboo Forests Across China

Abstract Bamboo forests substantially contribute to the biogeochemical cycling of carbon (C) and help mitigate climate change. Moso bamboo ( Phyllostachys edulis ), which occupies the largest bamboo forest area globally, is widely distributed across China. However, the C stocks of these forests and their controlling factors remain poorly quantified due to a lack of large‐scale field data. Here, we conducted a nationwide survey of 322 plots and 1,245 soil samples throughout the full distribution range of moso bamboo forests in China. We estimated a total ecosystem C stock of 511.0 ± 9.9 Tg C, with 29% stored in vegetation and 71% in soil (0–50 cm). Vegetation C density was weakly influenced by climate but increased under moderate human disturbance. Soil C density was shaped by both climate and human activity: higher temperature, precipitation, and wetness index promoted soil C accumulation, whereas intensive disturbance indirectly reduced soil C by decreasing soil moisture and nitrogen content. These findings suggest that increasing drought and intensified human activity may reduce soil C sequestration in bamboo ecosystems. Our study provides a new field‐based estimate of C stocks in China's bamboo forests and offers insights to improve biogeochemical models and inform C sink management.