Research Lars Vesterdal has been involved in research within forest ecology and soil science since 1993. The main focus has been on decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling as affected by tree species, forest management and soil types. During the recent years Lars Vesterdal has taken part in international work on the contribution of forests to mitigate greenhouse effects, and carbon storage in forest soils has been a central part of his research. This work focuses on carbon sequestration following changes in management and land use, particularly afforestation of former cropland. Research on afforestation of former cropland also includes impacts on other environmental services such as water recharge and nitrogen retention. The current main research topic is tree species effects on soil C stocks and their vertical distribution, and how such effects are mediated by soil fauna and soil microbial communities.