| This study examined the interaction of differences in moisture content due to slope position and experimental burning under an intact forest canopy on the soil N cycle. There were few significant differences between the unburned riparian and upland plots. Regardless of slope position, the LFH in the burned treatment had a significantly lower total C and N, microbial biomass (MB) C and N, and extractable C content, MB-N/total N and microbial C/N ratio, and cumulative net N mineralization rate compared with the unburned treatment. The burned treatment had a significantly higher pHCaCl2 (LFH only), NH4+ content in July and August, and inorganic N/EN ratio throughout the study period (LFH and 0--10 cm) compared with the unburned treatment. No significant position-burn interactions were identified, possibly due to large heterogeneity in the riparian soil types. Replication of this study is required to establish the generality of these trends. |
