Decomposition of black pine (Pinus nigra J. F. Arnold) deadwood and its impact on forest soil components

摘要: Abstract Deadwood decomposition is a complex and dynamic process with large implications for biogeochemical cycling of carbon (C) nitrogen (N) in forest soil litter. Moreover, it affects functional structural diversity fungal bacterial communities these components. Mesocosms deadwood blocks at progressive decay classes were set black pine incubated 28 months the field aim to assess impact on i) CO2, CH4 N2O fluxes; ii) C N pools allocation among deadwood, litter soil; iii) activity. fluxes from monitored throughout incubation; biomass loss rate each class calculated. The stock N, enzyme activities, fractions (fresh, fragmented humified) two depths measured. Emissions CO2 increased over advancement reached maximum rates last classes. low showed either production (prevalent first year) or consumption. Independent class, 20% stored was lost as atmosphere, whereas 32% transferred humified class. A corresponding increase cellulose hemicellulose degrading enzymes found also favored by substrates accessibility through fragmentation successional changes communities. Deadwood, components clearly distinguished terms chemical microbiological properties activities. Fragmented only responsive advanced stage decomposition, being directly affected physical redistribution organic matter.