Soil extracellular enzymes (SEEs) affect the decomposition of organic matter and microbial nutrient demand. However, the seasonal dynamics of SEE activity for differently aged plantations is still unclear. To analyze the seasonal variations of SEE activity and nutrient limitation for differently aged plantations, this study employed the “space-for-time substitution” method and Pinus massoniana plantations of varying ages (6, 13, 29, 38, and 57 years) in subtropical China to determine SEE activity and nutrient limitations in the growing and non-growing seasons. The results showed that SEE activity varied notably with the growth stage and season. In particular, β-1,4-glucosidase activity was higher in the growing season than in the non-growing season, while the opposite was observed for acid phosphatase and leucine-amino-peptidase activity. Acid phosphatase gradually increased with stand age, peaking in the 38-year plantation for the growing and non-growing seasons. Microbial carbon (C)-limitation was higher in the growing season and gradually decreased with forest stand development. Phosphorus (P)-limitation was higher in the growing season than in the non-growing season and was maximum in the 38-year plantation. Moreover, the physicochemical properties and microbial biomass explained the microbial C- and P-limitations, respectively. Compared to the non-growing season, the C- and P-limitations of different stand ages were stronger during the growing season, and the physicochemical properties and microbial biomass were important factors affecting their changes. The study reveals the balance status between soil microorganisms and nutrients in subtropical forest ecosystems and provides guidance for the development of afforestation strategies.

Cotinus coggygria Scop. as a precious landscape shrub and a good afforestation species that is used in the pharmaceutical industry. In this paper, TG-FTIR, TG-DTG, and Py-GC/MS were used to study the biomaterials of Cotinus coggygria used as biofuels and biochemicals under the catalysis of nano-Mo/Fe₂O₃. The wood powder was extracted using a methanol/benzene solution, and the extract was analyzed by FTIR and GC-MS. The results showed that the pyrolysis products of Cotinus coggygria wood were rich in phenols, alcohols, and biofuels. The metal nano-Mo powder played a catalytic role in the interpretation of the gas in the species, where it accelerates gas products. Metal nano-Fe₂O₃ has a certain flame-retardant effect on the burning process of Cotinus coggygria wood, and the residual amount of pyrolysis is greater. The contents of the extract Formamide, 1-Hexanol, Levodopa, and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- are not only widely used industrially but also play an important role in medicine. Cotinus coggygria is therefore an excellent biomaterial for biofuels and biochemicals.