The Effect of Different Forest Types on Litter Quality and Soil Enzyme Activity in the Vaz Forest of Noor-Mazandaran Province

The study of the litter quality and soil enzymes activities are used as indicators for soil quality and soil health assessment. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of different vegetation types of Vaz forest of Noor-Mazandaran Province (i.e. Fageto-Carpinetum, Fageto-Aceretum, Fageto-Quercetum and Fagetum) on litter quality and activity of some of the most important soil enzymes. For this, eight samples of litter and soil (0 to 15 cm) were collected within the forest types in growing season. The ANOVA of litter, soil physio-chemical and enzymes activities rate indicate a significant statistical difference among forest types. The highest amounts of litter thickness (15.15 cm) and C/N ratio (79.08) were allocated to the Fagetum type and the least amounts of litter thickness (8.09 cm) and C/N ratio (42.15) were found under Fageto-Carpinetum type. The results showed that the highest activity rate of urease (23.14 µg NH4+–N g−1 2 h−1), acid phosphatase (521.12 µg PNP g−1 h−1), arile sulfatase (129 µg PNP g−1 h−1) and invertase (210.37 µg Glucose g−1 3 h−1) were significantly observed under Fageto-Carpinetum forest type. Based on findings, the soil of Fageto-Carpinetum forest type has better quality compared to other studied types. The results of this research can be helpful for prioritizing of forest stands based on plant residual and soil quality.