Background: Decomposition of litter has an important role in primary production with its influence on nutrient release for plant uptake and carbon flux in forest ecosystems. Thus, understanding the effects of the intervention on litter decomposition is crucial for sustainable forest management. In this study, the effect of structural change and facing slope on litter decomposition in Scots pine stands (Pinus sylvestris L.) were investigated.Results: The decomposition rate of litter decreased as

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... the stand age increased. Litter decomposed more rapidly on northern slopes than southern slopes. Cutting caused to accelerate the decomposition at a rate of up to 58% depending on its intensity. The k values were found to fluctuate though the time from 0.189 in moderately dense canopied stands to 0.317 in open canopied over-mature stands. Stand basal area, incubation time, and remaining carbon concentration of the litter accounted for 75% of the variation in the decomposition constant. Conclusions: Cutting-induced stand structural changes affected the litter decomposition process in forest ecosystems due to the micro environmental change as well as the change in litterfall composition and chemistry. Heavy treatments can change the litter decomposition process drastically, while moderate thinning may not have a clear effect in the long run. The stand specific k value should be considered to use in forest carbon models for more accurate estimation. Decomposition constant should be calculated by considering stand structure and incubation time of at least 1050 days. Besides, due to the significant effect of canopy closure on decomposition rate, stand specific or recalculated k constants according to stand basal area, incubation time, and remaining carbon concentration of the litter should be recommended to use in forest carbon models for more accurate carbon budget estimation.