δ~(13)C difference between plants and soil organic matter along the eastern slope of Mount Gongga

Carbon isotope ratios (δ 13C) of plants, litter and soil organic matter (0–5 cm, 5–10 cm and 10–20 cm) on the eastern slope of Mount Gongga were measured. The results show that δ 13C values of plants, litter and soil organic matter all decrease first and then increase with altitude, i.e. δ 13C values gradually decrease from 1200 to 2100 m a.s.l., and increase from 2100 to 4500 m a.s.l. The δ 13C altitudinal variations are related to the distribution of C3 and C4 plants on the eastern slope of Mount Gongga, ...