@article{article_598438, title={Using Soil Stable Isotopes, δ13c and δ15n, Properties for Interpreting Effects of Forest Understory Vegetation Removal on Nutrient Cycling}, journal={Düzce Üniversitesi Orman Fakültesi Ormancılık Dergisi}, volume={15}, pages={96–105}, year={2019}, author={Yıldız, Oktay}, keywords={Durağan izotop, Karbon, Azot, Toprak organik maddesi, Diri örtü kontrolü}, abstract={<p>Forest harvesting and understory vegetation management may disturb the ecological integrity of forest ecosystems. Abrupt change in plant composition in the stand also modifies the nutritional status of the site. The aim of this study is to analyze the soil stable isotopes, δ13C and δ15N properties for interpreting effects of clearing understory vegetation on nutrient cycling. The study utilized a previous project in which the understory vegetation was variably cleared in Douglas-fir plantations situated in the Pacific Coast of Oregon, USA. Treatments included removing brush and herbaceous vegetation control at varying ratios. Also, a control plot was included in the experiment where no vegetation removal (DFC) was employed. On one of the plots, shrubs were completely cleared, leaving only herbs and Douglas-fir (DFH). Another plot received complete removal of shrubs and herbs, leaving only Douglas-fir (DFO). Soil samples were collected on each plot at 5th and 15th year of the stand establishment. Soil was sub-sampled to distinguish light (LF)- and heavy-fraction (HF) organic material. The stable isotopes 13C and 15N of the LF and HF were analyzed for their 13C and 15N stable isotope values. Complete understory vegetation removal significantly enriched soil δ15N on DFO sites at age 5. The presence of understory vegetation had significant effects on organic matter decomposition and soil nutrient cycling. <br /> </p>}, number={2}, publisher={Düzce Üniversitesi}