Severe soil frost reduces losses of carbon and nitrogen from the forest floor during simulated snowmelt: A laboratory experiment

► The effects of soil frost on C and N flux from soils during snowmelt. ► Exposed soils to one of three temperature treatments and simulated snowmelt. ► Severe soil frost (−15°C) resulted in greater soil retention of C and N. ► C and N flux response to climate change depends on presence/severity of soil frost.