Effects of Thinning Intensity on Forest Floor and Soil Biochemical Properties in an Aleppo Pine Plantation after 13 Years: Quantity but Also Quality Matters

In order to quantify the impacts of silvicultural treatments in semiarid forests, it is necessary know how they affect key aboveground processes and also properties characterizing forest floor mineral soil compartments. The general objective this work study mid-term effects thinning intensity on after 13 years following intervention. experimental design consisted a randomized block with four (3 plots plus control or unmanaged plot) three blocks replicates. Several determinations, such as total organic carbon, dissolved basal respiration, were performed for by considering random sampling points per plot. Thirteen thinning, content, different carbon fractions studied, respiration higher These results, however, contrasted those obtained soil, where significant differences between only observed C/N ratio, while not affected intensity. Our results suggest better quality biological activity enhanced consequence improved environmental conditions litterfall input. latter especially important forests tree leaves low biodegradability, new understorey species promoted can provide nutrient availability remaining trees and, therefore, resilience.