Fig. 2: Physicochemical characteristics of fresh leaves, leaf litter, and soil at various depths (−5 to −25 cm).

a, b The total C and total N content [%], respectively; c the C/N ratio; d isotopic signature δ15N [‰]; e difference between the isotopic signature (δ15N) of the source (leaves) and the sinks (litter and deeper soil layers) ∆15N. Where multiple measurements were available at a specific depth, each plot marker represents the mean of these measurements, and the standard deviation of these measurements is shown as a horizontal line.