Based on data collected (through local observations) for several consecutive years, comparative analyses of Chinese fir plantations in Huitong, Hunan, were made. Results show that, before harvesting, carbon storage in forest soils in these 22-year-old plantations (0–60 cm) amounted to 160.38 t/hm2; 1 year after a 100% clear-cutting, loss of carbon storage in the soil (0–60 cm) of cutover areas was 35.00%; 2 years later, the rate was 44.65%; and, after 3 years, the rate was 43.93% compared with a control area of a standing forest. Three years ...