Ecological and soil conditions of black pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) stands in the area of the Russian Monastery at Mount Athos

In this study, organic matter and nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na) concentration were estimated at the forest floor and soil of Pinus nigra stands growing in the area of the Russian Monastery at Mount Athos and compared with three other Pinus nigra stands at higher altitudes in Northern Greece. Results show higher concentration of organic matter and nutrients at the forest floor of Pinus nigra stands on Mount Athos. Climate, low altitude and possibly the provenance of the species are the main reasons for the high accumulation of organic matter and nutrients found at the forest floor.