Litter decomposition and nitrogen mineralization in newly formed gaps in a Danish beech (Fagus sylvatica) forest

An effect of gap size was found only for soil temperatures and litter mass loss: soil temperatures were significantly increased in the northern part of the large gap during the first year after gap formation, and litter mass loss was significantly higher in the smaller gap. All other parameters investigated revealed no effect of gap size. Nitrification, net mineralization, and soil N concentrations tended to be increased in the gaps. Cumulative rates of net mineralization were two fold higher in the gaps during the growing season (June-October), but a statistically significant increase was found only for soil NH4-N concentrations during this period. Forest floor parameters (C:N ratios, mass loss, N release) were not significantly modified during the first year after gap formation, neither were the total C content nor the C:N ratio in mineral soil at 0-10 cm depth.