Dynamics of carbon and nitrogen in soils and european beech (Fagus Sylvatica L.) saplings after the stand’s canopy opening

The carbon and nitrogen dynamics in soils and different parts of European beech saplings were investigated following the opening of the stand’s canopy by forest cuttings or natural disturbances. The study was conducted in four sample plots at the LTER forest site ‘Petrohan’ in Western Bulgaria. Compared to closed-canopy control plots, an increase in the carbon content of beech saplings was observed in areas with open canopies due to forest cuttings, suggesting acclimation. Conversely, following a large-scale forest disturbance caused by windthrow, the carbon content in beech saplings decreased compared to that under an undisturbed canopy. The carbon content of saplings in all plots decreased in the following order: leaves, roots, stems, and branches. Meanwhile, nitrogen content was highest in the leaves, followed by stems and branches, and was lowest in the roots.