Kirova, LoraStoeva, LoraStoyanov, Todor2025-08-042025-08-042025-06-031313-9940https://doi.uni-plovdiv.bg/handle/store/693Understanding how forest management practices influence soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics is crucial for sustainable ecosystem functioning and climate mitigation. This study investigates the effects of thinning on soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) stocks in temperate European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests in the Central Balkan Mountains of Bulgaria. Fieldwork was conducted in six forest districts using a replicated plot design with three thinning intensities: unmanaged (0%), moderate (10–15%), and higher (20–25%). Soil samples were collected from three depth intervals (0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm) and analyzed for SOC, TN, and related properties following standardized laboratory protocols. Results showed that SOC and TN concentrations decreased consistently with depth across all treatments. While higher thinning intensity was associated with modest reductions in subsoil SOC and TN, the overall stocks to 30 cm depth did not differ significantly between managed and control plots. The data suggest that brown forest soils (Cambisols) exhibit strong resilience to moderate thinning, likely due to conservative harvesting practices, stable canopy structure, and the retention of organic inputs. These findings highlight that moderate-intensity thinning, as applied under Bulgarian forestry regulations, can be compatible with the preservation of soil carbon and nitrogen pools. The study emphasizes the importance of site-specific management and long-term monitoring to ensure soil sustainability under changing climatic and land-use conditions.entemperate Cambisolscarbon stockanthropogenic influencebeech forestsArticle