Effect of Different Oak Forest Management Models on Seasonal Variability in Soil Properties at Sites with Igneous and Sedimentary Subsoil

Traditional forest management models could potentially be used to combat changes in environmental conditions by stimulating soil properties and supporting tree growth. In this study, we compare the effects of different oak (Quercus petraea /Matt./Liebl.) forest models [coppice, coppice-with-standard, stocked coppice (reference)] on seasonal variability in soil properties at upland igneous and sedimentary sites (280–418 m a.s.l.). Soils were sampled at 0–5 and 10–15 cm in 50 × 50 m model and reference plots in January, April, July and October between 2015 and 2019, and soil organic matter, soil respiration, enzyme activity, pH and water-holding capacity were determined. The effects of forest model and seasonality were then compared using time-series analysis, analysis of variance and discriminant analysis. Overall, the models differentiated subsurface soil horizons from the topsoil and their feedback varied between sites. While water-holding capacity increased at the igneous stands, acid phosphomonoesterase activity increased and nitrogen content decreased at the sedimentary site. While the most significant negative influence of the forest model on soil properties was observed at the sedimentary site, the greatest increase in soil organic matter and water holding capacity was registered at the igneous coppice-with-standards site. Consequently, using the appropriate forest management model on different subsoil types could be valuable for improving carbon sequestration and drought resistance.