A study was conducted in a subtropical forest over four years to understand how different components contribute to soil respiration. Trenching was used to separate root respiration from other sources. Results showed that heterotrophic respiration was the main contributor to soil respiration, with autotrophic respiration playing a smaller role. The temperature sensitivity of heterotrophic respiration was lower than that of autotrophic respiration. Overall, soil respiration rates were higher in areas with roots present compared to areas where roots were excluded.