Nitrogen dynamics in conifer-dominated forests with and without hardwoods

Nitrogen and carbon in the surface 12 cm of mineral soil, N in leaf litterfall, anaerobic N mineralization rates in the soil andforest floor, and root and N accretion to sand traps placed in surface soil layers were compared in forests with hardwoods eithercompletely or partially removed during a conifer thinning 3 years before. An adjacent unthinned conifer-hardwood stand wasalso included. Conifer stocking did not differ between thinned stands with and without hardwoods. Stands without hardwoodsaveraged 520 kg/ha more N in mineral soil (p