A Global Synthesis of Multi-Factors Affecting Water Storage Capacity in Forest Canopy, Litter and Soil Layers

Water storage capacity in the layers of canopy, litter, and soil of forest ecosystems has not yet been thoroughly investigated on a global scale. We estimated the global pattern of water storage capacity of forest ecosystems related to water regulation services (WSCFE) in the above three layers based on 1,288 observations and analyzed their 22 controlling environmental factors. The results show that the global mean WSCFE per unit area is 456.7 mm, and the total volume of WSCFE is 22,662.5 km(3). Climatic variables are the leading factors contributing to the variations of WSCFE, followed by forest attributes, terrain factors, soil properties, and litter characteristics. This study advances the understanding of the large-scale variation mechanisms of WSCFE in different forest types and climate zones and provides scientific evidence for ecological protection according to local conditions.