Long-term effects of forest liming on mineral soil, organic layer and foliage chemistry: Insights from multiple beech experimental sites in Northern France

•Five beech forest ecosystems were limed with carbonates 20 to 40 years ago.•Liming reduces acidity, improves soil fertility, tree nutrition and tree growth.•Biological cycling tends to maintain the applied elements in the soil-plant.•Liming with carbonate may cause long term nutrient imbalances in Mg and K.