Tree species affect the vertical distribution of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen

Background Forest soils are considered sinks for atmospheric C. Many studies revealed that tree species and their mycorrhizal association affect forest floor topsoil organic C (OC) total N, while the knowledge of effect on subsoil OC N is still scarce. Aims We aimed to identify (1) effects floor, (0–30 cm) (30–80 stocks vertical distribution (2) drivers soil distribution. Methods sampled under Fagus sylvatica L., Quercus robur Acer pseudoplatanus L. Fraxinus excelsior in four Danish common garden experiments along a gradient texture determined stocks. Results Total (forest + soil) was higher oak than beech, unaffected by species. were both ectomycorrhizal (ECM), compared maple ash, which arbuscular (AM). Relatively more transferred AM ECM species, this could be explained greater endogeic earthworm biomass In contrast, proportion stored subsoil, here correlated negatively with anecic earthworms. Subsoil highest oak. Conclusions Tree particular affected N. differences not mirrored highlights need address future AM- versus ECM-mediated