Leaf litter decomposition in temperate deciduous forest stands with a decreasing fraction of beech (Fagus sylvatica)

We hypothesised that the decomposition rates of leaf litter will increase along a gradient of decreasing fraction of the European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and increasing tree species diversity in the generally beech-dominated Central European temperate deciduous forests due to an increase in litter quality. We studied the decomposition of leaf litter including its lignin fraction in monospecific (pure beech) stands and in stands with up to five tree genera (Acer spp., Carpinus betulus, Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior, Tilia spp.) using a litterbag approach. Litter and lignin decomposition was more rapid in stand-representative litter from multispecific stands than in litter from pure beech stands. Except for beech litter, the decomposition rates of species-specific tree litter did not differ significantly among the stand types, but were most rapid in Fraxinus excelsior and slowest in beech in an interspecific comparison. Pairwise comparisons of the decomposition of beech litter with litter of the other tree species (except for Acer platanoides) revealed a “home field advantage” of up to 20% (more rapid litter decomposition in stands with a high fraction of its own species than in stands with a different tree species composition). Decomposition of stand-representative litter mixtures displayed additive characteristics, not significantly more rapid than predicted by the decomposition of litter from the individual tree species. Leaf litter decomposition rates were positively correlated with the initial N and Ca concentrations of the litter, and negatively with the initial C:N, C:P and lignin:N ratios. The results support our hypothesis that the overall decomposition rates are mainly influenced by the chemical composition of the individual litter species. Thus, the fraction of individual tree species in the species composition seems to be more important for the litter decomposition rates than tree species diversity itself.     

Effects of sediment-borne nutrient and litter quality on macrophyte decomposition and nutrient release

Macrophyte decomposition is a critical process that affects carbon and nutrient cycling, and energy flow, although the majority of the details involved in the process remain unclear. For the present study, a litter bag experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of sediment-borne nutrient and litter quality on the decomposition rates and nutrient release of four macrophyte life forms (emergent macrophyte: Phragmites australis, free-floating macrophyte: Hydrocharis dubia, floating-leaved macrophyte: Nymphoides peltata, submerged macrophyte: Ceratophyllum demersum), and a species mixture. Our results indicated that litter quality significantly influenced macrophyte decomposition and nutrient release. High-quality litter species (high initial nitrogen and phosphorus contents, as well as low C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios) decomposed more rapidly than low-quality litter species, and the initial C:N and C:P ratios, rather than the initial N and P contents, were effective indicators of the decomposition rate of macrophytes. Sediment-borne nutrients had little effect on the decomposition rate, yet a strong effect on the release of N and P, although the interactions between litter quality and sediment-borne nutrients significantly affected the decomposition rate. Three-way ANOVA analysis revealed that the litter quality imparted a more potent effect on the macrophyte decomposition rate and release of N and P than sediment-borne nutrients. These results implied that litter quality interacts with sediment-borne nutrients and may control macrophyte decomposition in shallow lakes.     

Insect biological control accelerates leaf litter decomposition and alters short‐term nutrient dynamics in a Tamarix‐invaded riparian ecosystem

Insect herbivory can strongly influence ecosystem nutrient dynamics, yet the indirect effects of herbivore‐altered litter quality on subsequent decomposition remain poorly understood. The northern tamarisk beetle Diorhabda carinulata was released across several western states as a biological control agent to reduce the extent of the invasive tree Tamarix spp. in highly‐valued riparian ecosystems; however, very little is currently known about the effects of this biocontrol effort on ecosystem nutrient cycling. In this study, we examined alterations to nutrient dynamics resulting from beetle herbivory in a Tamarix‐invaded riparian ecosystem in the Great Basin Desert in northern Nevada, USA, by measuring changes in litter quality and decomposition, as well as changes in litter quantity. Generally, herbivory resulted in improved leaf litter chemical quality, including significantly increased nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations and decreased carbon (C) to nitrogen (C:N), C:P, N:P, and lignin:N ratios. Beetle‐affected litter decomposed 23% faster than control litter, and released 16% more N and 60% more P during six months of decomposition, as compared to control litter. Both litter types showed a net release of N and P during decomposition. In addition, herbivory resulted in significant increases in annual rates of total aboveground litter and leaf litter production of 82% and 71%, respectively, under the Tamarix canopy. Our finding that increased rates of N and P release linked with an increased rate of mass loss during decomposition resulting from herbivore‐induced increases in litter quality provides new support to the nutrient acceleration hypothesis. Moreover, results of this study demonstrate that the introduction of the northern tamarisk beetle as biological control to a Tamarix‐invaded riparian ecosystem has lead to short‐term stimulation of nutrient cycling. Alterations to nutrient dynamics could have implications for future plant community composition, and thus the potential for restoration of Tamarix‐invaded ecosystems.     

氮、磷养分有效性对森林凋落物分解的影响研究进展

通过对相关研究文献的综述结果表明,氮(N)和磷(P)是构成蛋白质和遗传物质的两种重要组成元素,限制森林生产力和其他生态系统过程,对凋落物分解产生深刻影响。大量的凋落物分解试验发现在土壤N有效性较低的温带和北方森林,凋落物分解速率常与底物初始N浓度、木质素/N比等有很好的相关关系,也受外源N输入的影响;而在土壤高度风化的热带亚热带森林生态系统中,P可能是比N更为重要的分解限制因子。然而控制试验表明,N、P添加对凋落物分解速率的影响并不一致,既有促进效应也有抑制效应。为了深入揭示N、P养分有效性对凋落物分解的调控机制,"底物的C、N化学计量学"假说、"微生物的N开采"假说以及养分平衡的理论都常被用于解释凋落物分解速率的变化。由于微生物分解者具有较为稳定的C、N、P等养分需求比例,在不同的养分供应的周围环境中会体现出不同的活性,某种最缺乏的养分可能就是分解的最重要限制因子。未来的凋落物分解研究,应延长实验时间、加强室内和野外不同条件下的N、P等养分添加控制试验,探讨驱动分解进程的微生物群落结构和酶活性的变化。     

Long‐term responses of leaf litter decomposition to temperature,litter quality and litter mixing in plateau wetlands

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人工调控措施下马尾松凋落叶化学质量变化及与分解速率的关系

马尾松凋落叶分解缓慢,促进其凋落物分解,提高养分归还速度,维持地力稳定,已成为马尾松人工林可持续经营中的关键问题。基于此,采用正交试验L_9(3~4)设计,选择菌剂、表面活性剂、不同碳氮营养液和有机肥料4种人工调控因素,在马尾松林下开展凋落叶分解调控试验,以掌握不同调控组合对凋落叶分解速率和化学质量的影响及作用效果等。结果表明:有机肥料和菌剂显著影响马尾松凋落叶分解速率,腐解剂2和鸡粪联合作用更利于分解。马尾松凋落叶在林下自然分解过程中,化学质量参数向着利于分解的方向变化,N、P以积累为主,C/N、C/P、L/N和L/P呈降低态势,人为调控措施加速了这一变化进程;不同调控措施对凋落叶化学质量参数的影响不尽相同,添加有机肥料有利于剩余凋落叶N、P含量升高,C/N、C/P、L/N和L/P的降低;菌剂腐解剂2有利于L/P、C/P的降低;表面活性剂OP-10有利于凋落叶L/N的降低。人工调控下,调控因素可通过改变凋落物化学质量影响其分解速率,N含量和C/N是影响马尾松凋落叶分解速率的主要因素;而P浓度、L/N、C/P、L/P对分解速率的影响不规律或不显著。     

Non‐symbiotic nitrogen fixation during leaf litter decomposition in an old‐growth temperate rain forest of Chiloé Island,southern Chile: Effects of single versus mixed species litter

Heterotrophic nitrogen fixation is a key ecosystem process in unpolluted, temperate old‐growth forests of southern South America as a source of new nitrogen to ecosystems. Decomposing leaf litter is an energy‐rich substrate that favours the occurrence of this energy demanding process. Following the niche ‘complementarity hypothesis’, we expected that decomposing leaf litter of a single tree species would support lower rates of non‐symbiotic N fixation than mixed species litter taken from the forest floor. To test this hypothesis we measured acetylene reduction activity in the decomposing monospecific litter of three evergreen tree species (litter C/N ratios, 50–79) in an old‐growth rain forest of Chiloé Island, southern Chile. Results showed a significant effect of species and month (anova , Tukey's test, P < 0.05) on decomposition and acetylene reduction rates (ARR), and a species effect on C/N ratios and initial % N of decomposing leaf litter. The lowest litter quality was that of Nothofagus nitida (C/N ratio = 78.7, lignin % = 59.27 ± 4.09), which resulted in higher rates of acetylene reduction activity (mean = 34.09 ± SE = 10.34 nmol h^?1 g^?1) and a higher decomposition rate (k = 0.47) than Podocarpus nubigena (C/N = 54.4, lignin % = 40.31 ± 6.86, Mean ARR = 4.11 ± 0.71 nmol h^?1 g^?1, k = 0.29), and Drimys winteri (C/N = 50.6, lignin % = 45.49 ± 6.28, ARR = 10.2 ± 4.01 nmol h^?1 g^?1, k = 0.29), and mixed species litter (C/N = 60.7, ARR = 8.89 ± 2.13 nmol h^?1g^?1). We interpret these results as follows: in N‐poor litter and high lignin content of leaves (e.g. N. nitida) free‐living N fixers would be at competitive advantage over non‐fixers, thereby becoming more active. Lower ARR in mixed litter can be a consequence of a lower litter C/N ratio compared with single species litter. We also found a strong coupling between in situ acetylene reduction and net N mineralization in surface soils, suggesting that as soon N is fixed by diazotroph bacteria it may be immediately incorporated into mineral soil by N mineralizers, thus reducing N immobilization.     

Decomposition of tree leaf litters grown under elevated CO2: Effect of litter quality

Ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) leaf litters were monitored for decomposition rates and nutrient release in a laboratory microcosm experiment. Litters were derived from solar domes where plants had been exposed to two different CO₂ regimes: ambient (350 L L^-1 CO₂) and enriched (600 L L^-1 CO₂).Elevated CO₂ significantly affected some of the major litter quality parameters, with lower N, higher lignin concentrations and higher ratios of C/N and lignin/N for litters derived from enriched CO₂. Respiration rates of the deciduous species were significantly decreased for litters grown under elevated CO₂, and reductions in mass loss at the end of the experiment were generally observed in litters derived from the 600 ppm CO₂ treatment. Nutrient mineralization, dissolved organic carbon, and pH in microcosm leachates did not differ significantly between the two CO₂ treatments for any of the species studied. Litter quality parameters were examined for correlations with cumulative respiration and decomposition rates: N concentration, C/N and lignin/N ratios showed the highest correlations, with differences between litter types. The results indicate that higher C storage will occur in soil as a consequence of litter quality changes resulting from higher atmospheric concentrations of CO₂.Abbreviations CHO soluble carbohydrates - DOC dissolved organic carbon - HCel holocellulose - WTREM weight remaining     

Forest plantation diversification with Leguminosae tree species: Consequences on litter decomposition and nutrient recycling

Mixed tree plantations provide greater ecosystem services than monocultures. Leguminosae tree species can be appropriate complements to achieve a sustainable soil management target. A key aspect of species trait complementarity is the litter mixture effects in the litter decomposition process. We evaluated how the mixture of poplar litter (Populus deltoides Marsh.) with Leguminosae tree species modulated the litter decomposition process and C, N and P recycling, through changes driven by the Leguminosae litter chemical traits. Under field conditions, we compared poplar litter alone (monoculture) with its 50:50 mixture with Enterolobuim contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong., or Peltophorum dubium (Spreng.). Compared to poplar litter, its mixture with E. contortisiliquum had a 25% lower C:N ratio and a similar N:P ratio, whereas mixture with P. dubium had a 9% lower C:N and a 29% lower N:P ratios. The mixture with E. contortisiliquum showed a 64% faster decomposition rate, and 55% and 203% faster C and N release rates, respectively, compared to poplar. In contrast, in the mixture with P. dubium, there was no difference in the litter, C and N decay rates with poplar litter alone. The mixture with P. dubium had a 37% lower P retention compared to poplar, whereas P was released rather than retained in the mixture with E. contortisiliquum. The mixture with E. contortisiliquum showed a net antagonistic effect in the litter decomposition rate. However, in the mixture, poplar litter decomposed 33% faster and the E. contotrtisiliquum litter decomposed 35% slower than species alone. The C:N and N:P ratios in the litter mixture were relevant traits shaping the magnitude and direction of litter decomposition and nutrient recycling processes. The incorporation of both Leguminosae to monospecific poplar plantations could contribute to counteract P limitation in this system and to improve soil fertility and functioning.     

塔里木沙漠公路防护林地表凋落物分解对施肥的响应

为探讨沙漠公路防护林地表凋落物的分解速率和养分释放动态对施肥的响应,采用凋落物分解袋法,对塔里木沙漠公路防护林地乔木状沙拐枣(Calligonum arborescens)同化枝、梭梭(Haloxylon ammodendron)同化枝和多枝柽柳(Tamarix ramosissima)枝凋落物在施肥处理下的分解及养分释放特征进行研究。结果表明:经过420d的分解,3种凋落物质量残留率在对照(不施肥)、施用氮肥、施用磷钾复合肥处理间存在显著性差异(P0.05)。乔木状沙拐枣同化枝、梭梭同化枝和多枝柽柳枝在对照处理下的质量残留率分别为56.95%、31.32%和50.24%。施肥处理下3种凋落物均呈现出梭梭同化枝分解速率最快,多枝柽柳枝次之,乔木状沙拐枣同化枝分解最慢。施用磷钾复合肥极显著提高了3种凋落物的分解速率(P0.01);施用氮肥则促进多枝柽柳枝的分解,抑制乔木状沙拐枣和梭梭同化枝的分解。凋落物分解过程中,对照组3种植物凋落物的C、N、P和K元素均呈现净释放状态;施肥后凋落物的N、P和K元素呈现出富集-释放的模式。凋落物初始P含量和C/N、C/P比值是分解初期的主导因素,初始K、木质素、纤维素含量和C/N、木质素/N比值是分解后期的主要控制因素。研究表明,施肥显著影响沙漠公路防护林地表凋落物的分解,增加防护林地表凋落物的养分归还量,延后养分释放的时间,改善塔里木沙漠公路防护林地的土壤肥力。凋落物初始C/N比值是预测塔里木沙漠凋落物分解的重要因素,且不同分解时期影响凋落物分解的初始化学组成有所差异。     

美国南卡罗来纳州森林湿地十种典型植物凋落叶的分解特征

凋落叶分解是控制森林湿地物质循环的重要生态过程,是全球C、N等元素循环的重要一部分。以美国南卡罗来纳州10种典型植物的凋落叶为研究对象,通过2a的分解实验测定分解阶段凋落叶的生物量残留率、分解速率常数k和C、N残留百分比,探讨初始凋落叶化学性质对分解速率常数k的影响。结果表明:(1)十种凋落叶生物量在两年内降解至初始的14.5%—66.2%,种间差异可达4倍以上;分解速率常数k在0.26—1.64a~(-1)之间,针叶分解速率阔叶分解速率;(2)分解速率常数k与初始凋落叶酸溶性组分(AS)极显著正相关(P0.001),与初始C含量、酸不溶组分(AIF)和AIF/N比均显著负相关(P0.05);(3)凋落叶C残留百分比持续下降至10.2%—66.1%,而N残留百分比因物种与分解阶段不同呈现不同变化规律。结果表明,森林湿地中凋落叶初始C组分差异是其分解速率的种间极大差异的主要原因,评估森林湿地的C、N循环应充分考虑种间差异。     

Biochemical changes assessed by 13C-CPMAS NMR spectroscopy control fungal growth on water extracts of decaying plant litter

The mechanistic bases of saprotrophic fungal dynamics in soil are not fully clarified. By assessing hyphal density and radial expansion of Aspergillus niger on extracts 45 plant litter types (15 species at 3 decomposition stages), encompassing a broad range of organic quality, we investigated how changes in litter biochemistry affected fungal growth. Plant litter were characterized by classic proximate chemical analyses (total C and N, labile C, cellulose and lignin content, C/N and lignin/N ratios) and, at molecular level, by solid-state ¹³C-CPMAS NMR. The growth of A. niger decreased during the decomposition process over all organic matter types, consistently with the well-known disappearance of this species during the early successional stages. The litter suitability as a substrate to A. niger progressively decreased during decomposition, both considering proximate parameters and C types corresponding to spectral regions, with the latter being also invariably predictive of fungal growth over the 45 substrates. A. niger growth was positively associated with the content of labile C, and with di-O-alkyl C and O-alkyl C spectral regions, but negatively with lignin content and with methoxyl C region. Our results suggest that organic matter quality may control saprotrophic fungal dynamics, at least for the tested species.     

A literature synthesis resolves litter intrinsic constraints on fungal dynamics and decomposition across standing dead macrophytes

The standing dead phase is an important stage in the decomposition of emergent vegetation in marsh wetlands, yet few studies have examined how intrinsic litter traits constrain rates of standing litter decomposition or fungal colonization across plant tissue types or species. To address broad constraints on the decomposition of standing dead litter, we conducted a systematic survey of emergent standing dead decomposition studies that measured decay rates and/or fungal biomass, and litter % lignin, carbon:nitrogen (C:N) and/or carbon:phosphorus (C:P). Across 52 datasets, litter of low C:N and C:P ratios exhibited increased decomposition rates (r = −0.737 and −0.645, respectively), whereas % lignin was not significantly correlated with decomposition rates (r = 0.149). Mixed-effects models for litter decomposition rates indicated significant effects of litter molar C:N and C:N + lignin as an additive model, with the former providing marginally better support. Litter % lignin, however, was strongly negatively correlated with fungal biomass (r = −0.669), indicating greater fungal colonization of low-lignin litter, and not correlated with C:N (r = −0.337) and C:P (r = −0.456) ratios. The best-supported model predicting fungal biomass was litter molar C:N, with the C:N + lignin additive model also showing significant effects. Fungal carbon-use efficiency (CUE) also had a strong negative correlation with % lignin (r = −0.604), molar C:N (r = −0.323) and C:P (r = −0.632) across datasets. Our study demonstrates the constraining effects that litter stoichiometry and % lignin elicit on decomposition of standing dead litter and fungal colonization, respectively. These findings improve our understanding of biogeochemical cycling and prediction of the fates of C and nutrients in wetlands.     

南亚热带格木和红椎凋落叶及细根分解特征

采用原位分解法对南亚热带格木(Erythrophleum fordii)和红椎(Castanopsis hystrix)人工纯林的凋落叶和细根分解动态及凋落叶和细根分解速率之间的相关关系进行了比较研究。结果显示,格木、红椎人工林凋落叶和细根分解系数分别为0.98a~(-1)、0.88a~(-1)和0.65a~(-1)、0.59a~(-1)。格木、红椎凋落物分解主要受凋落物自身化学性质的影响,而与林分内环境条件的关系不显著。分解初期,凋落叶和细根的质量损失均与氮含量显著正相关(R~2分别为0.525和0.549),与C/N比显著负相关(R~2分别为0.764和0.361);而分解后期,凋落叶和细根的质量损失均与氮含量显著正相关(R~2分别为0.565和0.511),与C/N比、木质素含量、木质素/N比显著负相关(R~2分别为0.482和0.574;0.525和0.519;0.523和0.486)。格木、红椎凋落叶分解速率和细根分解速率表现出明显的正相关性,这主要归因于凋落叶、细根基质质量对凋落叶分解速率和细根分解速率的影响具有明显的相似性。     

Leaf litter traits drive community structure and functioning in a natural aquatic microcosm

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不同土壤厚度、水分和种植方式对喀斯特两种草本凋落物分解质量损失和化学计量特征的影响

为了探究生长期间不同土壤厚度、水分及种植方式处理对草本植物凋落物分解质量损失和化学计量特征的的影响,采用分解袋法,在露天分解床上分解经过生长期间2种土壤厚度(对照土壤厚度和浅土处理)、2种水分(正常灌水处理和干旱处理)和2种种植方式(单种和混种)处理的苇状羊茅(Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)和黑麦草(Lolium perenne L.)凋落物,研究生长期间土壤厚度和水分减少及不同的种植方式是否通过改变两物种初始凋落物质量、产量和组分来影响自身凋落物分解。结果发现:(1)与对照组(CK)相比,在干旱组(D)和浅土+干旱组(SD),两物种地上、根系和总的凋落物质量损失率、初始N和P含量均显著增加,凋落物产量、C/N和C/P显著降低,凋落物地上组分比大体上无显著变化;而不同的种植方式处理对各组分质量损失率、元素含量、计量比、凋落物产量和组分比大体上无显著影响;(2)两物种地上、根系和总凋落物的质量损失率分别与地上、根系和总N含量呈显著正相关,与C/N呈显著负相关,与凋落量呈显著负相关,而总凋落物质量损失率与地上凋落物组分比呈显著正相关。结果表明,生长期间干旱和浅土+干旱处理能够通过影响苇状羊茅和黑麦草的初始凋落物质量、产量和组分比来加快地上、根系和总凋落物分解,其中凋落物N含量和C/N是影响两物种凋落物分解快慢的主要原因。     

荒漠草原4种典型植物群落枯落物分解速率及影响因素

测定荒漠草原甘草、赖草、蒙古冰草以及黑沙蒿等植物群落枯落物分解过程中质量损失量分析荒漠草原枯落物分解速,同时通过枯落物自身化学成份、含水率的测定,结合气候因子进行偏相关分析,探讨荒漠草原枯落物分解的影响因素。结果表明:荒漠草原4种植物群落枯落物的质量累积损失率随分解时间的延长而增加,但枯落物分解的质量损失量与时间并不呈线性相关;4种群落枯落物质量损失量大小依次均为:甘草群落赖草群落蒙古冰草群落黑沙蒿群落;荒漠草原枯落物分解采用单指数衰减的Olson模型拟合效果较好,4种植物群落中甘草群落枯落物分解最快,黑沙蒿群落分解最慢;蒙古冰草、赖草和甘草群落枯落物中N、P、K的含量显著高于黑沙蒿群落,但是C、木质素、纤维素、C/N、木质素/N和纤维素/N值则显著低于黑沙蒿群落枯落物,蒙古冰草群落、甘草群落、赖草群落和黑沙蒿群落4种群落枯落物分解速率(k)与枯落物初始N、P、K含量均呈显著正相关;偏相关分析表明,4种植物群落枯落物分解速率与降雨量、枯落物自身含水量的偏相关系数达显著水平,其余因子偏相关系数均未达显著水平。结合上述研究可以确定荒漠草原枯落物分解50%所需时间为2—5a,分解95%需8—24a。     

Decomposability of C3 and C4 grass litter sampled under different concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide at a natural CO2 spring

Elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO₂ can influence the relative proportions, biomass and chemical composition of plant species in an ecosystem and, thereby, the input of litter nutrients to soil. Plant growth under elevated CO₂ appears to have no consistent effect on rates of litter decomposition; decomposition can, however, differ in C3 and C4 plant material from the same CO₂ environment. We here describe the decomposability of leaf litter of two grass species – the C3 Holcus lanatus L. (Yorkshire fog) and C4 Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. (kikuyu) - from an unfertilized, ungrazed grassland at a cold CO₂ spring in Northland, New Zealand. Decomposability was measured by net CO₂–C production from litter incubated for 56 days at 25 °C in a gley soil from the site; net mineral-N production from litter was also determined. Both litter and soils were sampled under `low' and `high' concentrations of atmospheric CO₂. Decomposition of H. lanatus litter was greater than that of P. clandestinum litter throughout the 56-day incubation. Decomposition tended to be greater in `high-CO<sub>2</sub>' than in `low-CO₂' H. lanatus litter, but lower in `high-CO<sub>2</sub>' than `low-CO₂' P. clandestinum litter; differences were, however, non-significant after 28 days. Overall, litter decomposition was greater in the `low-CO<sub>2</sub>' than `high-CO₂' soil. Differences in decomposition rates were related negatively to litter N concentrations and positively to C:N ratios, but were not predictable from lignin:total N ratios. Net mineral-N production from litter decomposition did not differ significantly in `high-CO<sub>2</sub>' and `low-CO₂' samples incubated in `low-CO<sub>2</sub>' soil; in `high-CO₂' soil some net immobilization was observed. Overall, results indicate the likely complexity of litter decomposition in the field but, nevertheless, strongly suggest that rates of decomposition will not necessarily decline in a `high-CO₂' environment.     

Elevated CO2 increases the long-term decomposition rate of Quercus myrtifolia leaf litter

Decomposition of Quercus myrtifolia leaf litter in a Florida scrub oak community was followed for 3 years in two separate experiments. In the first experiment, we examined the effects CO₂ and herbivore damage on litter quality and subsequent decomposition. Undamaged, chewed and mined litter generated under ambient and elevated (ambient+350 ppm V) CO₂ was allowed to decompose under ambient conditions for 3 years. Initial litter chemistry indicated that CO₂ levels had minor effects on litter quality. Litter damaged by leaf miners had higher initial concentrations of condensed tannins and nitrogen (N) and lower concentrations of hemicellulose and C : N ratios compared with undamaged and chewed litter. Despite variation in litter quality associated with CO₂, herbivory, and their interaction, there was no subsequent effect on rates of decomposition under ambient atmospheric conditions. In the second experiment, we examined the effects of source (ambient and elevated) of litter and decomposition site (ambient and elevated) on litter decomposition and N dynamics. Litter was not separated by damage type. The litter from both elevated and ambient CO₂ was then decomposed in both elevated and ambient CO₂ chambers. Initial litter chemistry indicated that concentrations of carbon (C), hemicellulose, and lignin were higher in litter from elevated than ambient CO₂ chambers. Despite differences in C and fiber concentrations, litter from ambient and elevated CO₂ decomposed at comparable rates. However, the atmosphere in which the decomposition took place resulted in significant differences in rates of decomposition. Litter decomposing under elevated CO₂ decomposed more rapidly than litter under ambient CO₂, and exhibited higher rates of mineral N accumulation. The results suggest that the atmospheric conditions during the decomposition process have a greater impact on rates of decomposition and N cycling than do the atmospheric conditions under which the foliage was produced.     

四川盆地亚热带常绿阔叶林凋落叶多酚类物质在不同降雨期间的降解特征

植物多酚类物质是森林凋落物中的重要组分,其含量的多寡在一定程度上决定了凋落物的分解速率。然而,凋落物分解过程中多酚类物质的降解动态仍不十分清楚。因此,以四川盆地亚热带常绿阔叶林最具代表性的3个针叶树种马尾松(Pinus massoniana)、柳杉(Cryptomeria fortunei)、杉木(Cunninghamia lanceolata)和3个阔叶树种香樟(Cinnamomum camphora)、红椿(Toona ciliata)、麻栎(Quercus acutissima)凋落叶为对象,采用凋落物分解袋法,研究了6种凋落叶多酚类物质在第一年不同降雨期间的降解特征。结果表明:自微量降雨期起至雨季前期止,6种凋落叶多酚类物质具有一致的降解动态,降解率均表现为随着降水量的增加而增加;自雨季后期之后,多酚类物质含量均处于稳定状态。第一个分解年,6种凋落叶多酚类物质降解率大小顺序依次为:红椿(100%)柳杉(97.81%)杉木(94.45%)麻栎(93.67%)马尾松(93.06%)香樟(91.64%)。分解初期旱季两时期(微量降雨期和春季少雨期),6种凋落叶多酚类物质均有较大的降解量,其降解率占全年降解率的42.16%—71.20%。并且,除香樟以外的5种凋落叶多酚类物质大量降解释放发生在雨季前期,占全年降解率的44.46%—55.72%。此外,凋落叶多酚类物质初始含量与其降解率呈显著的二次函数关系。可见,降雨是湿润亚热带常绿阔叶林区凋落物多酚类物质降解的关键驱动因子之一,树种组成是影响凋落物多酚类物质降解的内部因素。