Plant functional type affects nitrogen dynamics in urban park soils similarly to boreal forest soils

Abstract Purpose Although plant functional type can modulate soils and their processes in natural, nitrogen (N)-limited ecosystems, little is known about ability to influence soil N dynamics urban ecosystems that have high excess input. We investigated whether i) effects on parks follow the same pattern as those undisturbed natural/semi-natural forests, ii) park age influences under boreal climate. Methods selected 13 of varying ages (young: 10 15, old: > 70 years), 5 forests (> 80 years) southern Finland. In these we measured total concentration, availability inorganic N, nitrous oxide (N 2 O) flux earthworm biomass three types (evergreen tree, deciduous lawn). Results Our results showed influenced also greenspace soils, which may relate clear effect biomass. Evergreen trees tended highest foster accumulation reduce O emissions parks. Moreover, with increasing age, increased but decreased lawns, further emphasising role vegetation affecting greenspaces. Conclusions show that, similar type, irrespective