Effect of canopy composition on litterfall rate, respiration and some Soil properties in pure and mixed stands of beech and hornbeam

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pure and mixed stands of beech and hornbeam on soil properties, soil respiration andlitterfall rate in Sari educational-research forest of Darabkola. Ten circular plots were randomly considered in each of the three stands. Soil samples were taken at a depth of 0 - 10 cm and soil chemical and physical properties were measured. To collect litter, 10 litter traps (50 × 50 cm) were placed in the stands and the litter was collected every two months. Results showed that soil acidity, total nitrogen, sand and silt percentage and soil microbial respiration were significantly different in different stands. The studied stands showed a significant difference between the amounts of litter. According to the results, the highest and lowest amount of litter was observed in October and April, respectively.