This study aimed to analyze the N storage capacity of litterfall and its impact on C mineralization in beech forests. The research was conducted at 15 sample plots under European beech stands located in different ecological conditions on the territory of Serbia. More than half (53%) of the sample plots are characterized by low and very low litterfall N content (<8 g·kg−1; 9–12 g·kg−1), and a wide C/N ratio, which indicates a slow decomposition of the organic soil layer. These results could be useful indicators of the capacity and dynamics of litterfall N storage and its impact on C mineralization in the context of preserving biodiversity, stability, and longevity of beech forests in Serbia. 2024 Central Balkans; Fagus sylvatica; mineralization; organic layer; soil management HortScience volume: 59(7) startpage: 986 endpage: 987 Eremija, Saša Češljar, Goran Braunović, Sonja Kapović Solomun, Marijana Stajić, Snežana Hadrović, Sabahudin Jovanović, Filip info:eu-repo/semantics/article http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode American Society for Horticultural Science Litterfall Carbon and Nitrogen Content of Beech Forests in Serbia eng application/pdf 61052 bytes https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:6445 doi:10.21273/HORTSCI17914-24