Effects of the ecological restoration practices of prescribed burning and mechanical thinning on soil microbial enzyme activities and leaf litter decomposition

► We examined belowground processes in forest plots undergoing ecological restoration. ► We measured soil enzyme activity and litter decomposition rates. ► Soil β-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity increased after a prescribed burn. ► Degradation of leaf litter was more efficient in plots that were burned and thinned. ► Potential shift from phosphorus limitation to nitrogen limitation following a fire.