Objective To study the effects of stand structural adjustment on growth and soil properties of Pinus yunnanensis secondary forest and provide reference for its further conservation and utilization.

Method The stand structure was adjusted according to the regulations about forest tending of China, the characteristics of growth and soil properties of P. yunnanensis secondary forest after 4 years' structural adjustment were analyzed and compared by the method of typical sampling.

Result The results showed that the individual volume, DBH, tree height and the quantity of natural regenerated plants with structural adjustment treatment (SAT) were approximately 1.6, 1.1, 1.2 and 3.1 times that of the control (not adjustment, CK), respectively. The richness of plant species increased in the SAT, and the coverage of the herb and shrub enhanced by 63.3% and 22.7%, while the average height increased by 24.7% and 17.9%, respectively compared with those in the CK. Compared with the CK, the litter mass in the SAT decreased significantly by 20.37%, and the soil temperature, soil organic matter contents, soil microbial biomass and soil basic respiration increased significantly in the SAT, while the other soil properties kept relative stability.

Conclusion The results show that structural adjustment can significantly increase the growth of P. yunnanensis which is conducive to large diameter class wood cultivation. The forest natural regeneration and the understory vegetation are promoted, which benefits the development of the community structure in P. yunnanensis secondary forest, and the increased quantity and activity of soil microbes advance the transformation of soil organic matter after the stand structural adjustment. It is proved that stand structural adjustment can promote the positive feedback of soil-plant system in P. yunnanensis forest.