Response of Soil Net Nitrogen Mineralization to a Litter in Three Subalpine Forests

Forest litter accumulation can regulate the soil microclimate and alter nutrient distribution, but effects of quality seasonal differences on nitrogen (N) mineralization are still uncertain. The change rates net N mineralization, nitrification, ammonification were studied through in situ incubation experiments coniferous, mixed, broad-leaved forests eastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Two treatments established, one to allow enter normally (remain litter) other prevent from entering (remove litter). Soil samples collected at freezing (FS), thawing (TS), early growing (EGS), late (LGS), (EFS) seasons during 1.5-year period. Compared coniferous forests, removal ammonification, more pronounced mainly seasons. Structural equation modeling indicated that microbial biomass (MBN) was a common factor affecting three forest soils. carbon (MBC), mixed moisture, concentration, C:N ratio unique influencing factors different types. results showed effect distribution depended type season, suggesting composition productivity types may cycling processes subalpine ecosystems.