Decaying Spruce Wood as a Factor in Soil Carbon and Energy Flow Through Microbial Communities.

ABSTRACT: Climate change poses significant challenges to forest ecosystems, particularly influencing processes such as deadwood decomposition and carbon sequestration. This study explores the impact of decaying spruce wood on soil properties, enzymatic activity and microbial structure across an altitudinal gradient in mountain ecosystems dominated by spruce monocultures. In the Babia Góra Massif (Poland), we analysed soils beneath highly decomposed spruce logs (600-1200 m a.s.l.), focusing on soil chemistry, enzymatic activity and microbial composition. Decaying wood enriches soil with carbon and nitrogen, boosting β-glucosidase and phosphatase activities. Increased soil moisture content under decaying wood promotes decomposition and microbial activity. Interestingly, microbial community composition

SUBMITTER: Gorski A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12658617 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature