Effects of organic residue management and legume cover on growth of pine seedlings, nutrient leaching and soil propertiesEffets de la gestion de résidus organiques et d’un couvert de légumineuses sur la croissance de semis de pin, le lessivage des nutriments et les propriétés du sol

• The short-term effect of organic residue management on the growth and nutrition of Pinus pinaster Ait. seedlings, and on nutrient leaching and chemical properties of an acid soil was assessed through a lysimeter experiment. Treatments included absence, placement on the soil surface, and incorporation into the soil (with and without legume cover cropping) of organic residues (forest floor litter or forest floor litter plus harvest residues).• Residues placed on the soil surface enhanced seedling growth. Organic residues reduced nutrient losses (NO3−, Ca and Mg) and resulted in nutrient accumulation in the soil. Harvest residues positively affected K seedling nutrition status and enhanced K soil accumulation.• Legume cover cropping reduced soil nutrient losses (N, Ca, Mg and K) during the early stage of seedling growth; it also improved seedling nutrition status (N and P), but without any effect on growth.• Harvest residues plus forest floor litter placed on the soil surface was the most appropriate management to both reduce nutrient losses through leaching and increase height of seedlings at the end of the experimental period (two years).