Influence of gap creation on soil enzymes activity in an oriental beech stand (Case study: Langa control plot)

Gaps within forest canopy cause changes in the received amount (intensity) and quality (PAR) of incoming light on forest ground. This research was performed in natural gaps of a reserve control compartment at Kelardasht region in Mazandaran, northern Iran and aimed to determine the role of gap size and relative light intensity on soil enzyme activity. Hence, 14 gaps at four size class (<200 m2- 200-300 m2- 300-400 m2 and >400 m2) and four light classes (<8 %- 8-17 %- 17-25% and >25 %) were selected. Soil was sampled at 0-20 cm of top soil in the center of each gap. The results showed significantly different dehydrogenase activity in classes of gap size and light intensity, where its maximum amount was observed in the large gap size (300-400 m2) and at low light intensity (< 8%), respectively. Urease activity did not show significant difference within the classes. In addition, relative soil moisture was significantly different across the gap size and light intensity classes, whereas organic matter and Nitrogen did not show to be significant different.