Composition of tree species can mediate spatial variability of C and N cycles in mixed beech forests

The influence of trees on forest floor and soil features is detectable even in a mixed stand and the soil landscape experience a mosaic of changes, reflecting the chemical characteristics of the various tree species present in the stand. Our results suggest that the composition of tree species can change the forest floor quality, soil fertility and microbial activities related to C and N in mixed forests. As a conclusion, increasing the soil quality by tree species composition - employing hornbeam and maple for amending the forest soils with accompanying beech can be suggested in pure beech stand.