北热带喀斯特季节性雨林凋落物组分构成及时空动态

森林凋落物是森林生态系统的重要组成部分,在森林生态系统的物质循环和养分平衡中起重要作用。自2012年5月开始,我们在弄岗北热带喀斯特季节性雨林15 ha森林动态监测样地中布设了90个凋落物收集器进行凋落物收集。本文选取2013–2014年期间相关数据,研究了凋落物的组分特征、物种组成、时间动态和空间分布特征等。结果表明,2013年和2014年凋落物总量分别为4,858.0 kg/ha和4,928.8 kg/ha;凋落物组分以凋落叶为主且高达85%以上,其他组分所占比例较小。凋落物总量和凋落叶均有两个高峰期,分别发生在每年的春季(3–4月)和秋冬季(8–11月),凋落果的高峰期在8月左右;其他组分由于凋落量较少,年际动态并不明显。不同生态因子对凋落物总量分布格局的影响差异显著,且存在年际变化,但总体表现出凋落物总量受凋落物收集器所在样方的坡向和样方内所有DBH≥1 cm个体的平均胸径影响最为显著。喀斯特季节性雨林凋落物的组分构成和时空动态特征反映了不同生物和非生物因素影响下的物质循环规律,为深入揭示喀斯特独特地质、地貌背景下物质循环和能量流动的特殊性提供了基础。     

6种温带森林凋落量年际及年内动态

森林凋落物量及其组分因生态系统结构特征和环境变化而表现出明显的时间动态,从而影响森林生态系统物质循环和生态服务功能。连续6年观测帽儿山地区6种温带森林凋落物量及组份的时间动态、温度和降雨量等气象因子,旨在深入了解该地区森林生态系统的物质循环过程及调控因子。结果表明:6种森林的年落凋落量差异显著,平均值依次为:蒙古栎林(4.60 t/hm~2)﹥杂木林(4.21 t/hm~2)﹥硬阔叶林(4.03 t/hm~2)﹥红松林(3.95 t/hm~2)﹥杨桦林(3.89 t/hm~2)﹥落叶松林(3.85 t/hm~2)。各森林年凋落量的年际变化表现为"升高-降低"交替波动模式,但总体上呈上升趋势。凋落物各组份的年际变化不同,枝凋落量变化较为稳定;叶凋落量与凋落总量一致,升高-降低波动明显;繁殖器官及其他凋落量随林龄增加而增加。各森林凋落物量的年内变化呈单峰曲线波动,最大值出现时间因林型而异。枝凋落量在年内表现为双峰曲线模式波动;叶凋落量年内呈单峰曲线模式波动,并与凋落总量年内动态一致;繁殖器官与其他凋落量年内动态波动平缓,无明显凋落峰值。降雨量显著影响年凋落物量(P0.05),分别解释了凋落总量、叶凋落量90%、87%变化。平均温度、积温和总降雨量显著影响凋落量年内动态,总降雨量的影响作用最为突出。因此,除林分自身的生物学特性外,降雨是影响该温带森林凋落量年内、年际动态的重要因素。     

浙江普陀山岛森林凋落物动态与微气候的关联性

森林凋落物动态是森林生态系统过程中的重要组成部分, 探索森林凋落物动态特征与微气候间的关系, 对深入了解生态系统变化过程运行机理具有重要意义。该研究以浙江普陀山岛典型森林类型枫香(Liquidambar formosana)林、天竺桂(Cinnamomum japonicum)+红楠(Machilus thunbergii)林、马尾松(Pinus massoniana)林、青冈(Cyclobalanopsis glauca)林、台湾蚊母树(Distylium gracile)林为研究对象, 探究森林凋落量与微气候的关系。结果表明: 1)森林年凋落量介于3.45-5.36 t·hm^-2·a^-1, 年凋落量各组分比例表现出不同的组成特征, 森林类型与森林月凋落量无关。2)森林月凋落量动态模式主要呈双峰型和三峰型, 凋落峰值和风速峰值趋势相一致, 主要集中在台风干扰较大的4、7、12月份。3)冗余分析结果表明, 影响不同组分月凋落量的微气候因子不同: 月总凋落量、叶凋落量、果凋落量和碎屑凋落量的主要控制因素均为空气温度, 随空气温度的升高而增大; 枝凋落量的主要影响因素是森林上层风速, 同样起着显著的正向作用; 花凋落量与空气湿度之间呈负相关关系。森林年凋落量各组分所占比例存在差异, 森林月凋落量和森林类型无关, 主要与空气温度、空气湿度、森林上层风速等微气候因子有关。     

科尔沁沙地不同生境植被凋落物年际及年内动态

凋落物是植被土壤系统之间重要的物质和能量通道之一,在生态脆弱区植被和土壤修复过程中发挥着特殊的功能和作用.以科尔沁沙地流动沙丘、固定沙丘和草地为对象,通过连续测定9个生长季凋落物量,并结合气温与降水量数据,研究沙地生态系统不同生境的凋落物年际和年内动态及其调控因子.结果表明:不同生境植被年凋落物大小依次为:流动沙丘(9.01 g·m^-2)<固定沙丘(67.46 g·m^-2)<草地(119.55 g·m^-2).凋落物总量年际动态波动明显,固定沙丘年际变化呈“双峰”曲线,草地年际变化呈“W”型曲线.凋落物量年内变化均表现为“U”型曲线,在4和9月出现高峰值.降水量和气温对固定沙丘和草地凋落物量月际动态影响显著,而对不同生境条件下凋落物量年际变化影响均不显著.气温是影响该沙地生态系统生长季(4—9月)凋落物量月动态的主要因素.     

中国天然林凋落物量特征及其与气候因子的关系

凋落物是森林生态系统营养物质循环和能量流动过程的重要组成部分。本研究收集了1970—2017年公开发表的文献,整理筛选出373组天然林凋落物数据,建立了中国天然林凋落物量数据库,在全国尺度上分析了中国天然林凋落物的产量、组成特征、季节动态及其与温度和降水两个气候因子的关系。结果表明:中国天然林年均凋落物量为(5.33±2.87) t·hm~(-2);在全国尺度上,凋落物量表现为雨林常绿阔叶林针阔混交林落叶阔叶林针叶林;不同气候带中,亚热带阔叶林和针阔混交林凋落物量显著高于温带,亚热带针叶林与温带针叶林凋落物间无显著差异;所有天然林中,凋落叶是凋落物的主要组成部分,占凋落物总量的67.49%±9.75%,枝条、繁殖体和其他组分比例分别为16.45%±7.30%、8.16%±5.18%和7.88%±5.72%;其中,落叶阔叶林凋落叶在总凋落物中的比例最高,为75. 07%±9.92%,其他森林类型之间无显著差异;整体而言,中国天然林凋落物季节动态呈双峰型,凋落峰值出现在每年的4月和10月;不同森林类型中,雨林、落叶阔叶林凋落模式呈单峰型,针阔混交林凋落模式呈双峰型,常绿阔叶林、针叶林凋落模式呈多峰型;在全国尺度上,森林凋落物量与年均温度和年均降水量均呈显著正相关关系;不同气候带森林凋落物对水热因子的响应不尽相同;在温带地区,天然林凋落物量与年均降水量和年均温均呈显著正相关;在亚热带地区,天然林凋落物量与年均温呈显著正相关,与年均降水量无显著相关;在热带地区,雨林凋落物量与年均温呈显著负相关,与年均降水量无显著相关。本研究结果为森林生态系统营养循环的研究提供参考,并为全球气候变化背景下的碳循环研究提供数据支持。     

Quantifying the interannual litterfall variations in China’s forest ecosystems

凋落物是森林生物地化学循环和火险预测的关键参数。然而,森林凋落物如何随林龄变化仍不清楚。因此,量化森林生态系统凋落物年际变化对减少大尺度凋落物预测的不确定性至关重要。本论文基于中国人工林和次生林凋落物连续多年(≥2年)测定的数据集(N = 318),采用变异系数(CV)、变化百分比(V_P)和年际间比率量化凋落物的年际变化。研究结果表明,凋落物的年际变化随林龄增加(1–90年生)而呈下降趋势。其中,1–10年林龄的凋落物年际变化最大(平均CV = 23.51%,平均V_P= -28.59%~20.89%),其主要原因在于树木早期快速生长,即下一年与当年凋落物比率平均为1.20。11–40年林龄的凋落物年际变化逐渐减小,但CV平均值仍在18%左右,V_P平均值在-17.69%~21.19%之间。41–90年林龄的凋落物年际变化最小,CV平均值仅为8.98%,V_P平均值维持在8%左右。因此,大于40年林龄的凋落物量较低且稳定。这一结果与已有研究的认知不同：即当林龄大于30年、20年甚至15年时,森林凋落物量达到相对稳定。本研究结果将有助于我们深入理解森林凋落物生态学,并为大尺度碳收支和生物地化学循环模型提供基础。     

北热带喀斯特季节性雨林土壤和6个常见树种凋落物的C、N、P化学计量学特征

凋落物是森林生态系统的有机质和养分储藏库,是土壤和植物间物质交换的枢纽,是森林土壤肥力的主要来源之一。本文选取弄岗喀斯特季节性雨林15 ha森林动态监测样地中布设的90个凋落物收集器自2014年3月至2015年2月收集的6个常见种的凋落叶,结合2014年7月沿海拔梯度(185–368 m)采集的50个土壤样品,研究了土壤和凋落物的C、N、P化学计量学特征及其沿海拔梯度的变化趋势。结果表明,除P含量在高坡位及峰顶较低外,土壤中的C、N、P含量均达到了全国第二次土壤普查分类标准中的一级水平;土壤的C、N含量及C:P和N:P与海拔呈正比,P含量和C:N与海拔呈反比。因本文采样的海拔差异较小,推测上述土壤养分含量与海拔的关系主要是由于微地形引起的土壤差异而不是海拔差引起的气象因子差异所致。与其他森林生态系统相比,这6个常见种凋落叶的C、N、P含量的平均值呈现出高C和N、低P的格局;而不同海拔凋落叶的C、N、P并未表现出类似土壤中的变化规律;6个常见种凋落叶均表现出春季较高的C含量和夏季较高的N、P含量。虽然桂西南喀斯特季节性雨林中土壤的C、N、P含量总体水平较高,但其单位面积内的胸高断面积之和却远低于其他森林生态系统,表现为生物承载量较低;受个体生长环境差异的影响,同种凋落叶的C、N、P化学计量学特征可能会存在个体间差异。研究结果将为我国西南地区典型喀斯特生态脆弱区的生态功能恢复与植被重建提供科学依据。     

古田山常绿阔叶林凋落量时间动态及冰雪灾害的影响

2006年10月至2009年12月期间,我们通过对古田山24 ha常绿阔叶林动态样地169个种子雨收集器的凋落物进行烘干、分类、称量和数据分析,研究了凋落量的组成特征和时间动态,以及受2008年2月特大冰雪灾害的影响.2007年和2009年凋落量分别为532.05 g/m2和375.17 g/m2,年际变化显著,这与2008年的冰雪灾害有关.2007年古田山常绿阔叶林各组分在凋落量中所占比例依次为:叶(78.99%)>枝(14.69%)>皮(3-33%)>其他(2.99%);叶凋落量中各组分所占比例依次为:常绿阔叶树种叶(78.70%)>落叶阔叶树种叶(12.37%)>针叶树种叶(8.92%),其中甜槠(Castanopsis eyrei)、木荷(Schima superba)、马尾松(Pinus massoniana)和短柄袍(Quercus serrata vat.brevipetiolata)4个优势种年凋落量合计占叶凋落总量的71.36%,它们的动态直接影响着凋落总量的变化格局.凋落量高峰发生在春季(4月)和秋冬季(10月末至12月初),其中总凋落量、叶凋落量动态呈双峰型,枝条凋落量和树皮凋落量动态为不规则峰型,其他凋落量动态为单峰型.冰雪灾害后总凋落量、叶凋落量、枝条凋落量显著减少(P<0.05),其中甜槠、杨梅叶蚊母树(Distylium myricoides)叶凋落最显著减少(P<0.05)、木荷叶凋落量减少达到边缘显著水平(P<0.1),这也反映了冰亏灾害期间森林群落的受损情况.其他凋落量(主要成分为虫粪)在4B份增加极其显著(P<0.01),说明灾后植物的枝叶出现了补偿性生长.     

阔叶红松林不同演替阶段凋落物产量及其稳定性的影响因素

凋落物产量是生态系统净初级生产力的重要组分, 也是连接地下与地上生态过程的关键环节。但在森林演替进程中, 生物多样性、林分因子、功能性状如何共同影响凋落物产量及其时间稳定性, 其机理有待进一步研究。该文在阔叶红松(Pinus koraiensis)林分布的北界黑龙江胜山保护区, 选择从演替早期到红松原始林的4个演替(或发育)阶段, 连续3年测定凋落物产量, 以3年凋落物产量的变异系数的倒数(1/CV)反映其稳定性。采用层次划分和变异分离等方法研究林分因子(最大树高、胸径、胸高断面积、林冠空隙度)、群落水平功能性状(叶碳、氮含量及比叶面积)和乔木多样性(物种、功能、谱系多样性)对凋落物产量及其稳定性的相对作用大小。结果表明, 演替早期凋落物产量显著低于后3个演替阶段, 从演替中期至演替晚期凋落物产量无显著差异。凋落物产量的稳定性随演替进展显著提高。对变量重要性的评价表明, 凋落物产量主要受林分因子(最大树高、胸高断面积、林冠空隙度)和性状(叶碳含量)的影响, 物种丰富度也起一定作用; 而功能多样性对于凋落物稳定性的作用最大, 其次是林分因子(如最大胸径)。生物多样性对凋落物产量的独立解释力仅为0.41%, 而对其稳定性的独立解释力为33.12%, 说明多样性对凋落物稳定性有着独立于林分因子、性状之外的重要作用。同时, 林分因子、生物多样性、性状之间存在较强的协同作用(最高达53.8%), 说明这3种因素共同作用于凋落物产量及其稳定性。研究结果表明, 森林的恢复演替不仅能提高森林生产力, 还可有效提高生态系统稳定性, 因此, 保护原始林及促进森林恢复演替是提高生态系统功能的有效手段。     

我国中东部不同气候带成熟林凋落物生产和分解及其与环境因子的关系

在大尺度气候梯度上研究森林凋落物生产分解与气候因子的关系,对于了解森林生态系统碳循环有着重要的作用.在寒温带的黑龙江呼中、温带的吉林长白山、暖温带的北京东灵山、北亚热带的湖北神农架、中亚热带的四川都江堰和浙江古田山,选择典型地带性成熟林,设置72个样地.观测和研究各地点森林凋落物的产量、凋落动态和分解速率,分析三者与环境因子之间的关系,结果表明:不同气候带森林生态系统凋落物年产量为亚热带森林＞暖温带森林＞温带森林＞寒温带森林.随纬度的增加,凋落物产量逐渐减少,凋落物产量与森林类型极显著相关,与年均温显著相关,而与年均降水关系不显著.凋落物生产动态表现为亚热带地区3个类型森林生态系统为双峰型,暖温带、温带、寒温带3个类型森林生态系统为单峰型.凋落物分解速率k表现出了与凋落物产量相似的变化趋势,即随着纬度的增加,分解速率k值逐渐降低,分解速率与年均温极显著相关,与年均降水显著相关.     

全球气候变暖对凋落物分解的影响

凋落物分解作为生态系统核心过程,参与生态系统碳的周转与循环,影响生态系统碳的收支平衡,调控生态系统对全球气候变暖的反馈结果。全球气候变暖通过环境因素、凋落物数量和质量以及分解者3个方面,直接或间接地作用于凋落物分解过程,并进一步影响土壤养分周转和碳库动态。气候变暖可通过升高温度和改变实际蒸散量等环境因素直接作用于凋落物分解。气候变暖可引起植物物种短期内碳、氮和木质素等化学性质的改变以及群落中物种组成的长期变化从而改变凋落物质量。在凋落物分解过程中,土壤分解者亚系统作为主要生命组分(土壤动物和微生物)彼此相互作用、相互协调共同参与调节凋落物的分解过程。凋落物分解可以通过改变土壤微生物量、微生物活动和群落结构来加快微生物养分的固定或矿化,以形成新的养分利用模式来改变土壤有机质从而对气候变化做出响应。未来凋落物分解的研究方向应基于大尺度跨区域分解实验和长期实验,关注多个因子交互影响下,分解过程中碳、氮养分释放、地上/地下凋落物分解生物学过程与联系、分解者亚系统营养级联效应等方面。     

Leaf litter species identity alters the structure of pond communities

The input of leaf litter resources is a major driver of ecosystem processes in terrestrial and freshwater habitats. Although variation exists in the quantity and composition of litter inputs due to natural and anthropogenic causes, few studies have examined how such variation influences the structure and composition of aquatic food webs. Using outdoor mesocosms, we examined the bottom–up effects of 10 chemically distinct tree litter species on microbial, algal, invertebrate and vertebrate fauna found in temperate ponds. We hypothesized that individual litter species, which differ in their traits, would differentially and predictably affect abiotic and biotic elements of pond communities. We further hypothesized that the presence of leaf litter, regardless of species, would elevate resource supply and increase the biomass of community members. Finally, we hypothesized that a mixture of litter species would have non‐additive effects on community responses. We followed the system for > 4 months and measured > 30 abiotic and biotic responses related to primary and secondary production. The different species of leaf litter had major effects on abiotic and biotic responses, including phytoplankton, periphyton, zooplankton, snails, amphipods and tadpoles. Most biological responses were negatively associated with soluble carbon content of litter, or litter decay rate. Other litter traits, including phenolic concentrations and litter C:N were of secondary importance but did exhibit both positive and negative associations with several responses. The absence of litter had pervasive effects on abiotic attributes, but did not promote substantial changes in organism biomass. Most responses to the litter mixture were additive. Our results suggest that changes in temperate forest composition can strongly affect pond communities.     

The influence of a neotropical herbivore (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lamponius portoricensis</Emphasis>) on nutrient cycling and soil processes

The role of phytophagous insects in ecosystem nutrient cycling remains poorly understood. By altering the flow of litterfall nutrients from the canopy to the forest floor, herbivores may influence key ecosystem processes. We manipulated levels of herbivory in a lower montane tropical rainforest of Puerto Rico using the common herbivore, Lamponius portoricensis (Phasmatidea), on a prevalent understory plant, Piper glabrescens (Piperaceae), and measured the effects on nutrient input to the forest floor and on rates of litter decomposition. Four treatment levels of herbivory generated a full range of leaf area removal, from plants experiencing no herbivory to plants that were completely defoliated (>4,000 cm² leaf area removed during the 76-day study duration). A significant (P<0.05) positive regression was found between all measures of herbivory (total leaf area removed, greenfall production, and frass-related inputs) and the concentration of NO ₃ ⁻ in ion exchange resin bags located in the litter layer. No significant relationship was found between any of the herbivory components and resin bag concentrations of NH ₄ ⁺ or PO ₄ ⁻ . Rates of litter decay were significantly affected by frass-related herbivore inputs. A marginally significant negative relationship was also found between the litter mass remaining at 47 days and total leaf area removed. This study demonstrated a modest, but direct relationship between herbivory and both litter decomposition and NO ₃ ⁻ transfer to the forest floor. These results suggest that insect herbivores can influence forest floor nutrient dynamics and thus merit further consideration in discussions on ecosystem nutrient dynamics.     

Changes in leaf litter decomposition of primary Korean pine forests after degradation succession into secondary broad‐leaved forests

Forest degradation succession often leads to changes in forest ecosystem functioning. Exactly how the decomposition of leaf litter is affected in a disturbed forest remains unknown. Therefore, in our study, we selected a primary Korean pine forest (PK) and a secondary broad‐leaved forest (SF) affected by clear‐cutting degradation, both in Northeast China. The aim was to explore the response to changes in the leaf litter decomposition converting PK to SF. The mixed litters of PK and SF were decomposed in situ (1 year). The proportion of remaining litter mass, main chemistry, and soil biotic and abiotic factors were assessed during decomposition, and then, we made an in‐depth analysis of the changes in the leaf litter decomposition. According to our results, leaf litter decomposition rate was significantly higher in the PK than that in the SF. Overall, the remaining percent mass of leaf litter''s main chemical quality in SF was higher than in PK, indicating that leaf litter chemical turnover in PK was relatively faster. PK had a significantly higher amount of total phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) than SF during decomposition. Based on multivariate regression trees, the forest type influenced the soil habitat factors related to leaf litter decomposition more than decomposition time. Structural equation modeling revealed that litter N was strongly and positively affecting litter decomposition, and the changes in actinomycetes PLFA biomass played a more important role among all the functional groups. Selected soil abiotic factors were indirectly driving litter decomposition through coupling with actinomycetes. This study provides evidence for the complex interactions between leaf litter substrate and soil physical–chemical properties in affecting litter decomposition via soil microorganisms.     

Intraspecific phenotypic differences in fish affect ecosystem processes as much as bottom–up factors

Evolution of life history traits can occur rapidly and has the potential to influence ecological processes, which can also be shaped by abiotic and biotic factors. Few studies have shown that life history phenotype can affect ecological processes as much as commonly studied biotic ecological variables, but currently we do not know how the ecological effects of life history phenotype compare in size to the effects of abiotic factors, or whether the ecological effects of phenotypes are sensitive to variability in abiotic conditions. Using a factorial mesocosm experiment we compared the ecosystem effects of guppy Poecilia reticulata life history phenotypes in two light treatments representing a four‐fold difference in light levels, which was comparable to upstream downstream differences in light availability in Trinidadian streams. Light and phenotype had significant effects on similar aspects of ecosystem function. Whereas light had a stronger effect on ecosystem structure (algal and invertebrate stocks) than phenotype, phenotype and light had nearly equal effects on many ecosystem processes (nutrient recycling, nutrient fluxes, ecosystem metabolism and leaf litter decomposition). Light had a stronger effect on most guppy life history traits and guppy fitness than differences between phenotypes. The effect of light on these traits was consistent with higher availability of food resources in the high light treatments. Interactions between light and phenotype were weak for the majority of response variables suggesting that abiotic variability did not alter the mechanisms by which phenotypes affect ecosystem function. We conclude that subtle phenotypic differences in consumers can affect ecosystem processes as much as meaningful variability in abiotic factors which until recently were thought to be the primary drivers of ecosystem function in nature. However, despite its effects on traits and the ecosystem, light did not alter the effect of guppy phenotype on ecosystem function.     

森林凋落物分解及其对全球气候变化的响应

凋落物分解是重要的森林生态系统过程之一,受到气候、凋落物质量、土壤生物群落等生物和非生物因素的综合调控．迄今,有关不同森林生态系统和不同树种地上部分的凋落物动态、凋落物分解过程中的养分释放动态、生物和非生物因素对凋落物分解的影响等研究报道较多,但对地下凋落物的分解研究相对较少．近年来,森林凋落物分解对以大气CO2浓度增加和温度升高为主要特征的全球变化的响应逐步受到重视,但其研究结果仍具有很多不确定性．因此,未来凋落物生态研究的重点应是凋落物分解对土壤有机碳固定的贡献、地上／地下凋落物的物理、化学和生物学过程及其对各种生态因子（例如冻融、干湿交替）及交互作用的响应、凋落物特别是地下凋落物分解对全球气候变化的响应机制等方面．     

Short- and Long-term Influence of Litter Quality and Quantity on Simulated Heterotrophic Soil Respiration in a Lowland Tropical Forest

Heterotrophic soil respiration (SR_H) alone can contribute up to 50% of total ecosystem respiration in tropical forests. Whereas the abiotic controls of SR_H have been extensively studied, the influence of plant traits is less well characterised. We used field experiments and a modelling approach to test the relative influence of plant traits on SR_H in lowland tropical forest in French Guiana. We measured leaf- and root litter traits for five common tree species and conducted a root decomposition experiment to evaluate the influence of root chemistry on decay rates. We measured SR_H in trenched plots and used our field measurements to parameterize and test the Century model of soil C dynamics. Overall, the Century model performed well in simulating SR_H, and species-specific root decomposition in Century corresponded well to decomposition rates measured in situ. Root litter characterized by low lignin-to-nitrogen ratios decomposed more rapidly than low-quality root litter during the first 6 months. Model runs over different time scales revealed that litter quality substantially influenced SR_H on an annual time-scale by determining the rates of root- and leaf litter decomposition. However, litter mass had an overriding influence on SR_H over the longer term in 20-year model runs. Synthesis Using simple plant trait data to parameterise the Century model, we were able to accurately simulate changes in SR_H in a lowland tropical forest. Our results suggest that this approach could be used to predict changes in tropical soil C dynamics under global change scenarios by including data on changes in plant productivity and C inputs to the soil (for example litterfall and root turnover).     

Variations in leaf litter decomposition across contrasting forest stands and controlling factors at local scale

Aims Litter decomposition is a critical pathway linking the above- and belowground processes. However, factors underlying the local spatial variations in forest litter decomposition are still not fully addressed. We investigated leaf litter decomposition across contrasting forest stands in central China, with objective to determine the spatial variations and controlling factors in forest floor leaf litter decomposition in relation to changes in forest stands in a temperate forest ecosystem.Methods Leaf litter decomposition was studied by using litterbag method across several typical forest stand types in Baotianman Nature Reserve, central China, including pure stands of Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata, Q. glandulifera var. brevipetiolata and Q. variabilis, respectively, and mixed pine/oak stands dominated by Pinus armandii and Q. aliena var. acuteserrata, as well as stands of pure Q. aliena var. acuteserrata trees ranging in stand age from ~40 to>160 years. Measurements were made on litter mass remaining and changes in litter chemistry during decomposition over a 2-year period, along with data collections on selective biotic and environmental factors. A reciprocal transplant experiment involving Q. aliena var. acuteserrata and Q. variabilis was concurrently carried out to test the occurrence of 'home-field advantage (HFA)' in local forests when only considering contrasting oak tree species. Correlation analyses and path analyses were performed to identify the dominant drivers and their relative contributions to variations in leaf litter decomposition.Important findings Significant variations were found in the rate of leaf litter decomposition among stands of different tree species but not among stand age classes. The values of decay constant, k, varied from 0.62 in Q. aliena var. acuteserrata stands to 0.56 in Q. variabilis stands. The reciprocal litter transplant experiment showed that the rate of leaf litter decomposition was on average 5% slower in home-fields than on reciprocal sites. Path analysis identified litter acid-unhydrolyzable residue (AUR) to N ratio, soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil pH and soil organic carbon (SOC) as most prominent factors controlling the rate of leaf litter decomposition, collectively accounting for 57.8% of the variations; AUR/N had the greatest negative effect on k value, followed by weaker positive effects of SOC and MBC. Our findings suggest that tree species plays a primary role in affecting forest floor leaf litter decomposition by determining the litter quality, with site environment being a secondary factor contributing to the local variations in leaf litter decomposition in this temperate forest ecosystem.     

黄土高原地区森林生态系统地下生物量影响因素

根系将土壤和大气相连与植物体共同影响生态系统的碳循环,同时根系也是森林生态系统土壤碳库的重要来源。研究表明森林地下生物量受生物因素和非生物因素影响,因此研究各因素对根系生物量的影响对精确估算土壤碳库至关重要。基于我国相关部门的观测及调查数据,通过标准化计算和统计分析来量化各因素对黄土高原地区地下生物量的影响。结果表明：黄土高原森林生态系统地下生物量主要分布在11.99-27.46 Mg/hm²之间;非生物因素对地下生物量起主导作用,其中降雨量和地形影响最为显著;不同土壤类型地下生物量表现出：棕壤 > 褐土 > 岩性土;不同森林类型地下生物量大小为：针叶林 > 针阔叶混交林 > 落叶阔叶林;不同地形地下生物量由大到小为：丘陵、山地 > 高原、平原;地下生物量在坡位上的分布大小为：坡麓 > 上、中、下三个坡位 > 平地;人类活动和动物活动干扰对地下生物量的影响没有显著差异。另外,在分析中发现若影响因素中含经纬度,非生物和生物因素对地下生物量的影响程度分别为68.9%和31.1%;若影响因素中不含经纬度,非生物和生物因素对地下生物量的影响程度分别为81.1%和18.9%,说明经纬度与其他因素存在很强的相关性,并严重影响着生物因素和非生物因素对森林生态系统地下生物量的比重。研究结果对地下生物量的估测有一定的意义,可以为森林植被如何通过根系适应环境的研究提供参考,为植被恢复、森林经营管理及地下部分碳循环的研究提供依据。     

Riparian plant species loss alters trophic dynamics in detritus-based stream ecosystems

Riparian vegetation is closely connected to stream food webs through input of leaf detritus as a primary energy supply, and therefore, any alteration of plant diversity may influence aquatic ecosystem functioning. We measured leaf litter breakdown rate and associated biological parameters in mesh bags in eight headwater streams bordered either with mixed deciduous forest or with beech forest. The variety of leaf litter types in mixed forest results in higher food quality for large-particle invertebrate detritivores (‘shredders’) than in beech forest, which is dominated by a single leaf species of low quality. Breakdown rate of low quality (oak) leaf litter in coarse mesh bags was lower in beech forest streams than in mixed forest streams, a consequence of lower shredder biomass. In contrast, high quality (alder) leaf litter broke down at similar rates in both stream categories as a result of similar shredder biomass in coarse mesh bags. Microbial breakdown rate of oak and alder leaves, determined in fine mesh bags, did not differ between the stream categories. We found however aquatic hyphomycete species richness on leaf litter to positively co-vary with riparian plant species richness. Fungal species richness may enhance leaf litter breakdown rate through positive effects on resource quality for shredders. A feeding experiment established a positive relationship between fungal species richness per se and leaf litter consumption rate by an amphipod shredder (Gammarus fossarum). Our results show therefore that plant species richness may indirectly govern ecosystem functioning through complex trophic interactions. Integrating microbial diversity and trophic dynamics would considerably improve the prediction of the consequences of species loss.