It has been recognized for a long time that the overstorey composition of a forest partly
determines its biological and physical–chemical functioning. Here, we review evidence of …

The present work aims to bring together existing knowledge of the complex relationship
between birch (Betula spp.) trees and their soil environment. Birches are currently receiving …

Plant diversity is an important driver of diversity at other trophic levels, suggesting that
cascading extinctions could reduce overall biodiversity. Most evidence for positive effects of …

Understanding the factors that structure soil microbial communities and their relative
importance in determining local community assemblages is fundamental to understanding …

The forest‐floor litter layer can retain substantial volumes of water, thus affecting evaporation
and soil‐moisture dynamics. However, litter layer wetting/drying dynamics are often …

Litterfall is one of the major pathways connecting above-and below-ground processes. The
effects of climate and land-use change on carbon (C) and nutrient inputs by litterfall are …

Mixed species stands might contribute to important goals of sustainable forest management,
such as higher biological diversity, more resistance and resilience to disturbances and …

Atmospheric mercury (Hg) is largely assimilated by vegetation and subsequently transferred
to the soil by litterfall, which highlights the role of forests as one of the largest global Hg sinks …

Drought events are expected to increase as a consequence of climate change, with the
potential to influence both plant and soil microbial communities. Mixed planting may be an …

Rainfall is one of the primary sources of chemical inputs in forest ecosystems, and the basis
of forest nutrient cycling. Mixed evergreen and deciduous broadleaved forests are currently …