Effect of Canopy Composition of tree species on Soil Organic and Mineral Properties at West Hyrcanian Forests of Iran (Case Study: Korkoroud forests in Noshahr)

The present study aimed to assess the effect of canopy combination of beech trees and associated species (beech-hornbeam- maple, beech-hornbeam, beech- maple and pure beech) on basis of litter and soil characteristics in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. Litter and soil sampling was made at each beech stand composition, using litter bags and plastic bags (30 × 30 × 30 cm), respectively by five replicates beneath Canopy of central beech trees. Also, in order to effect different seasons on the presence and activity of fanua, were done sampling in addition to summer season in spring, autumn and winter. Characteristics of litter quality (carbon, nitrogen, carbon to nitrogen ratio), Physicochemicaland biological properties of soil (water content, pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, carbon to nitrogen ratio, earthworm density and biomass, nematodes and microbial respiration) was investigated. The results showed that nitrogen content of soil ( 0.48%), pH (7.43), biomass (56.88 mg m-2) and density (57.05 nm-2) of earthworm, total nematodes (55.02 in 100 gr soil) in beech-hornbeam-maple stand was higher than other studied stands. In all the studied combinations, dansity (45012) and biomass (46.08) of earthworms and nematodes (56.78) had the maximum activities in autumn while the highest of soil microbial respiration (58.5) was recorded in summer season. The based on findings, the stand of beech-hornbeam-maple has significantly impact on the soil organic and mineral characteristics. of the applied results of this research can be to prioritize in the selection of broad-leaved species for revive of degraded areas of the country North.