The effects of nutrient limitations on microbial respiration and organic matter decomposition in a Florida Spodosol as influenced by historical forest management practices

•Past and current rotation’s silvicultural treatments had similar effects on decomposition processes.•Nutrient additions altered microbial respiration response to prior silvicultural treatments.•Added N + P elevated respiration rates in non-fertilized, but suppressed it in fertilized soils.•Mn additions elevated Mn peroxidase activity in non-fertilized and weed-controlled soils.•Both Mn and Cu additions improved respiration responses in non-fertilized soils.