Short-Term Impacts of Harvesting Intensity on the Upper Soil Layers in High Karst Dinaric Fir-Beech Forests

The present study addresses the short-term effects of different harvest intensities under close-to-nature selective management on upper soil layers in Slovenian and Bosnian Dinaric karst fir-beech forests. coincided with single-tree irregular shelterwood management, common region. effect harvesting intensity (Ol, Of, Ol 0–10 cm mineral soil) was investigated by a repeated measurements experiment Slovenia 27 research plots close-to nature managed properties (concentration SOC TN, C/N ratio, weights, BD stocks) were analyzed twice, before (2011) after (2014) treatment 50% 100% relation to total standing growing stock trees. As control, we used no-treatment <20% plots. To extend this experiment, added three comparable from site: one an old-growth forest 0% two intensity. results assessment mean differences indicated significant influence decrease SOC, TN concentrations, weights stocks organic increase soil. highest relative decreases Ol, Of Oh occurred (−10 −38%) (−16 −49%) intensities. Negligible both found for change light conditions resulting canopy openness as function applied explained difference layers. impact losses stocks, terms overall productivity, may depend regeneration dynamics melioration methods.