Nitrogen status and mineralization in natural and disturbed Mediterranean forests and coppices

Past and current work on biological processes related to nitrogen fluxes and cycling in natural and disturbed Mediterranean forest sites are discussed. In natural conditions, the main point reviewed is mineral nitrogen availability in the soil, and particularly the process of ineralization (ammonification, nitrification) in the field as well as nitrogen uptake by Pinus pinea. Some aspects of nitrogen translocation within the trees are also considered. Perturbation of the nitrogen status, and especially nitrogen mineralization, as a result of manipulation of forest sites are discussed by comparing both a holm oak coppice with a clearcut and a Pinus halepensis woodland before and after prescribed fire.