Spatial separation of litter decomposition and mycorrhizal nitrogen uptake in a boreal forest

Our understanding of how saprotrophic and mycorrhizal fungi interact to re-circulate carbon and nutrients from plant litter and soil organic matter is limited by poor understanding of their spatiotemporal dynamics. In order to investigate how different functional groups of fungi contribute to carbon and nitrogen cycling at different stages of decomposition, we studied changes in fungal community composition along vertical profiles through a Pinus sylvestris forest soil. We combined molecular identification methods with 14C dating of the organic matter, analyses of carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratios and 15N natural abundance measurements. Saprotrophic fungi were primarily confined to relatively recently (< 4 yr) shed litter components on the surface of the forest floor, where organic carbon was mineralized while nitrogen was retained. Mycorrhizal fungi dominated in the underlying, more decomposed litter and humus, where they apparently mobilized N and made it available to their host plants. Our observations show that the degrading and nutrient-mobilizing components of the fungal community are spatially separated. This has important implications for biogeochemical studies of boreal forest ecosystems.     

Factors influencing leaf litter decomposition: an intersite decomposition experiment across China

The Long-Term Intersite Decomposition Experiment in China (hereafter referred to as LTIDE-China) was established in 2002 to study how substrate quality and macroclimate factors affect leaf litter decomposition. The LTIDE-China includes a wide variety of natural and managed ecosystems, consisting of 12 forest types (eight regional broadleaf forests, three needle-leaf plantations and one broadleaf plantation) at eight locations across China. Samples of mixed leaf litter from the south subtropical evergreen broadleaf forest in Dinghushan (referred to as the DHS sample) were translocated to all 12 forest types. The leaf litter from each of other 11 forest types was placed in its original forest to enable comparison of decomposition rates of DHS and local litters. The experiment lasted for 30 months, involving collection of litterbags from each site every 3 months. Our results show that annual decomposition rate-constants, as represented by regression fitted k-values, ranged from 0.169 to 1.454/year. Climatic factors control the decomposition rate, in which mean annual temperature and annual actual evapotranspiration are dominant and mean annual precipitation is subordinate. Initial C/N and N/P ratios were demonstrated to be important factors of regulating litter decomposition rate. Decomposition process may apparently be divided into two phases controlled by different factors. In our study, 0.75 years is believed to be the dividing line of the two phases. The fact that decomposition rates of DHS litters were slower than those of local litters may have been resulted from the acclimation of local decomposer communities to extraneous substrate.     

Limit values for decomposition and convergence process of lignocellulose fraction in decomposing leaf litter of 14 tree species in a cool temperate forest

We examined limit values for decomposition and lignocellulose index (LCI, the ratio of acid-soluble holocellulose to acid-soluble holocellulose plus acid-insoluble lignin and lignin-like substances) in leaf litter decomposition of 14 tree species over 3 years. The study was carried out on upper (moder) and lower parts (mull) of a forest slope that showed different humus accumulation forms in a cool temperate forest in Japan. Limit values for accumulated mass loss of litter ranged from 46.8% to 94.1% and were not different between the sites. Limit values were positively correlated to initial LCI and lignin content. Final values of LCI of 14 litter types at the end of the study period showed a convergent trend among litter types at 0.25–0.26 as compared to their initial values (0.41 mean). The final LCI was not different between the sites. A review of limit values and initial and final values of LCI in leaf litter of temperate and boreal forests indicated that the limit values and final LCI in litter types in Japan were lower than those in Europe and North America, which can be primarily ascribed to lower initial LCI in Japan.     

Factors influencing sapling composition in canopy gaps of a temperate deciduous forest

To detect the factors that affect sapling species composition in gaps, we investigated 55 gaps in an old-growth temperate deciduous forest in Ogawa Forest Reserve, central Japan. Gap size, gap age, gap maker species, topographic location, adult tree composition around gaps, and saplings of tree species growing in the gaps were censused. For gaps 5 m², mean gap size was 70 m² and the maximum was 330 m². Estimated ages of gaps had a tendency to be concentrated in particular periods relating to strong wind records in the past. The sapling composition in gaps was highly and significantly correlated to that under closed canopy, indicating the importance of advance regeneration in this forest. However, some species showed significant occurrence biases in gaps or under closed canopy, suggesting differences in shade tolerance. The result of MANOVA showed that gap size and topography were important factors in determining the sapling composition in gaps. Species of gap makers affected the sapling composition indirectly by influencing gap size. The existence of parent trees around gaps had effects on sapling densities of several species. Gap age did not have clear influences on sapling composition. Variations in gap size and topography were considered as important factors that contribute to maintenance of species diversity in this forest.     

Factors controlling decomposition rates of fine root litter in temperate forests and grasslands

Background and aims

Fine root decomposition contributes significantly to element cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. However, studies on root decomposition rates and on the factors that potentially influence them are fewer than those on leaf litter decomposition. To study the effects of region and land use intensity on fine root decomposition, we established a large scale study in three German regions with different climate regimes and soil properties. Methods In 150 forest and 150 grassland sites we deployed litterbags (100 μm mesh size) with standardized litter consisting of fine roots from European beech in forests and from a lowland mesophilous hay meadow in grasslands. In the central study region, we compared decomposition rates of this standardized litter with root litter collected on-site to separate the effect of litter quality from environmental factors.

Results

Standardized herbaceous roots in grassland soils decomposed on average significantly faster (24?±?6 % mass loss after 12 months, mean ± SD) than beech roots in forest soils (12?±?4 %; p?Conclusions Grasslands, which have higher fine root biomass and root turnover compared to forests, also have higher rates of root decomposition. Our results further show that at the regional scale fine root decomposition is influenced by environmental variables such as soil moisture, soil temperature and soil nutrient content. Additional variation is explained by root litter quality.     

Factors involved in potential sulfur accumulation in litter and soil from a coastal pine forest

Samples of 01/02, A1, E2 and Bh horizons collected from a coastal pine forest were assayed for the potential capacity to adsorb and to form organic sulfur from added sulfate. The subsequent mobilization (mineralization) of organic S was also assayed to determine potential capacities of the samples for organic S accumulation. Organic and inorganic forms of S were quantified, as were total carbon and nitrogen levels. Relationships between these parameters and the above S processing capacities for each sample were examined, and fluctuations were statistically analyzed. Of the organic S present, sulfonate-S (non-Raney Ni-reducible S) was found to be the major component irrespective of horizon. Adsorbed and soluble S were found to be low, suggesting that loss by leaching may be an important fate of incoming sulfate at this site. Results from this study were compared with those obtained for two additional sites, which have been examined in detail and documented previously to be S accumulating. Soils from the pine forest site adsorbed substantially less sulfate than those from the other two sites. The organic S accumulation capacity was relatively low for the pine site, averaging less than one third of the potential established for the other two sites.requests for offprints     

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 freeze damage on litter production, quality and decomposition in a loblolly pine forest in central China

Background and aims

Freeze events can strongly influence many ecosystem processes. However, the effects of freeze events on litter production, litter quality, and decomposition are rarely documented.

Methods

In this study, litter fall was measured monthly for 2 years. Two litter decomposition experiments were also performed using freeze-damaged litter and non-damaged litter in a loblolly pine forest.

Results

The freeze event in November 2009 caused a pronounced pulse of needle litter fall. The freeze-damaged needle litter was shown to have higher N concentration and lower C/N ratio compared with the normal falling needle litter. This finding indicates that freeze damage significantly increased needle quality because of incomplete nutrient resorption. The decomposition of freeze-damaged needle litter was faster than that of normal falling yellow needle litter and slower than that of hand-picked green needle litter. The decomposition rate constant (k) was negatively correlated with the C/N ratio in the needle litter. Our results also showed that the different climatic conditions influence patterns of litter decomposition.

Conclusions

This study suggests that freeze events significantly alter litter quantity and quality, thus affecting litter decomposition rates in a loblolly pine forest in central China.     

The effects of the moss layer on the decomposition of intercepted vascular plant litter across a post-fire boreal forest chronosequence

Aims

Feather mosses form a thick ground layer in boreal forests that can intercept incoming litter fall. This interception may influence the decomposition of incoming litter but this has been little explored. We investigated how the moss layer influences decomposition of intercepted litter along a 362-year fire driven forest chronosequence in northern Sweden across which soil fertility declines.

Methods

We placed leaf litter from three plant species into plots in which mosses and dwarf shrubs were either experimentally removed or left intact, at each of ten stands across the chronosequence. After one year we measured litter mass loss, and litter nitrogen and phosphorous.

Results

Litter decomposed consistently faster, and had higher nitrogen and phosphorus, in the presence of mosses and at greater depth in the moss layer. Despite an increase in moss depth across the chronosequence we did not find consistent increases in effects of moss removal on litter decomposition or on litter N or P.

Conclusions

Our findings identify a clear role of the moss layer in boreal forests in promoting the decomposition of intercepted leaf litter, and highlight that this role is relatively consistent across chronosequence stages that vary greatly in productivity and moss depth.     

Seasonal influx and decomposition of autochthonous macrophyte litter in a north temperate estuary

An 18-month study was undertaken to determine the seasonal contribution and detrital processing of autochthonous plant litter in the Great Bay Estuary System of New-Hampshire-Maine, USA and adjacent open coast. Four species were studied: the halophytes, Spartina alterniflora Loisel. and Zostera marina L. and the seaweeds, Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis and Fucus vesiculosus L. v. spiralis Farlow. Monthly strand line collections at estuarine and open coastal sites provided information on the seasonal influx of litter derived from each species. Detrital inputs from S. alterniflora and Z. marina were maximal in the spring and summer, respectively. Seaweed litter was abundant (35 to 85% of the total strand line) throughout the year. The seaweeds contributed 1 to 3 times as much detrital material as the vascular plants within the Estuary, and 50 times as much on the open coast. In situ measurements of decomposition, using nylon, mesh bags, were made for each species under several environmental conditions. Seaweeds decomposed 3 to 10 times faster than vascular plant litter under similar conditions. Decomposition rates and changes in the nutrient content of litter were dependent on surrounding environmental conditions. Continual nutrient depletion occurred in litter within the strand line. Nitrogen and phosphorus enrichment were observed under submerged conditions and were attributed to microbial activity and rapid leaching of carbonaceous substrates. A computer simulation model was developed to validate the field data and to predict seasonal detrital carbon input by each species. The significance of autochthonous input is discussed in relation to other detrital sources.     

Multiple nutrients limit litterfall and decomposition in a tropical forest

To explore the importance of 12 elements in litter production and decomposition, we fertilized 36 1600 m²-plots with combinations of N, P, K, or micronutrients (i.e. B, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, S, Zn) for 6 years in a lowland Panamanian forest. The 90% of litter falling as leaves and twigs failed to increase with fertilization, but reproductive litter (fruits and flowers) increased by 43% with N. K enhanced cellulose decomposition; one or more micronutrients enhanced leaf-litter decomposition; P enhanced both. Our results suggest tropical forests are a non-Liebig world of multiple nutrient limitations, with at least four elements shaping rates of litterfall and decomposition. Multiple metallomic enzymes and cofactors likely create gradients in the break down of leaf litter. Selection favours individuals that make more propagules, and even in an N-rich forest, N is a non-substitutable resource for reproduction.     

Effect of litter substrate quality and soil nutrients on forest litter decomposition: A review

Forest litter plays an important role in determining nutrient cycling, balance and maintaining ecosystem function of forest ecosystems. Studies have shown that litter substrate quality is one of the most important factors affecting litter decomposition in a given area. It is, hence, important to understand the factors controlling litter decomposition in the late decomposition stage and determining organic matter changes over the duration of litter decomposition. Decomposition rate of mixed litter may differ with that of a single specie litter. Supply of soil nutrients is an important factor controlling litter decomposition rate, because the essential nutrients in soil or litter material influence community and activity of decomposers (soil organisms). There were clear relationships among soil nutrient, litter substrate quality, and decomposition. Soil nutrient contents were positively correlated with litter substrate quality, showing that higher contents of soil nutrient were accompanied with good quality of litter substrate, and lower soil nutrients with poor litter quality. The effects of soil fertility on litter decomposition rate varied with environmental conditions. It was reported that litter quality regulates the early stage of carbon decomposition and its accumulation in soil, however, it could not predict the long-term dynamics of soil organic carbon. Hence, the formation and stabilization of soil organic carbon are controlled by the quantity of litter input and its interaction with the soil circumstances rather than by the litter quality. The present paper reviewed the research findings about litter decomposition related to litter substrate quality and soil nutrients, including short-term and long-term litter decomposition, decomposition of single-species vs. mixed-litter decomposition and litter nutrients release. The present paper aimed to clarify the relationship between soil nutrients and litter decomposition, which will help to understand forest succession, forest water conservation and soil re-production capacity.     

Species control variation in litter decomposition in a pine forest exposed to elevated CO2

Net primary production and the flux of dry matter and nutrients from vegetation to soils has increased following four years of exposure to elevated CO₂ in a southern pine forest in NC, USA. This has increased the demand for nutrients to support enhanced rates of NPP and altered the conditions for litter decomposition on the forest floor. We quantified the chemistry and decomposition dynamics of leaf litter produced by five of the most abundant tree species in this ecosystem during the third and fourth growing seasons under elevated CO₂. The objectives of this study were to determine (i) if there were systemic or species‐specific changes in leaf litter chemistry associated with a sustained enhancement of plant growth under elevated CO₂; and (ii) whether the process of litter decomposition was altered by increased inputs of energy and nutrients to the forest floor in the plots under elevated CO₂. Leaf litter chemistry, including various C fractions and N concentration, was virtually unchanged by elevated CO₂. With few exceptions, plant litter produced under elevated CO₂ lost mass or N at the same relative rate as that produced under ambient CO₂. The relationship between initial litter chemistry and decomposition was not altered by elevated CO₂. The greater forest floor mass and nutrient content in the plots under elevated CO₂ had no consistent or long‐term effect on litter decomposition. Thus, we found no evidence that plant and microbial processes under elevated CO₂ resulted in systemic changes in mass loss or N dynamics during decomposition. In contrast to the limited effects of elevated CO₂ on litter chemistry and decomposition, there were large differences among species in initial litter chemistry, mass loss and N dynamics during decomposition. If the species composition of this forest community is altered by elevated CO₂, the indirect effect of a change in species composition will exert greater control over the long‐term rate of nutrient cycling than the direct effect of elevated CO₂ on litter chemistry and decomposition dynamics alone.     

Root and needle litter decomposition responses to enhanced supplies of N and S in a Norway spruce forest in southwest Sweden

The effects of additions of ammonium sulfate (NS) on the decomposition of litter derived from Norway spruce roots (< 2 and 2 - 5 mm in diameter) in the humus and mineral soil layers (0 - 15 cm) of a Norway spruce stand in southern Sweden were investigated over a 6-year period. To this purpose, litterbags were incubated in the humus layer and in the mineral soil in June 1996, with roots collected from NS and control (C) plots incubated in the NS and C plots, respectively. The N concentrations in fine roots (< 2 mm) in the NS- plots were higher than those in 2 - 5 mm roots in both humus and mineral soil layers. In the humus layer, N concentrations in the fine roots in the C- and NS- plots were 12.8 and 15.7 mg g ^{? 1}, respectively. By the end of the fifth year the < 2 mm roots in humus layer had lost 48.5 and 50% of their mass in the C and NS plots, respectively, while the corresponding values for the 2 - 5 mm diameter class were 44 and 54%. The fresh root litter may be a sensitive indicator to responses to enhanced N and S deposition, although decomposition rates of both litter types are affected.     

长白山阔叶红松林主要树种凋落叶分解速率及其与叶性状的关系

阔叶红松林是我国东北地区地带性顶级森林群落,对维持区域生态系统稳定性具有重要作用。对阔叶红松林内主要树种凋落叶分解过程及影响因素进行研究,有助于增加长白山阔叶红松林生态系统的基础数据,为明确阔叶红松林的养分循环和物质流动提供依据。选取了长白山阔叶红松林内30个常见乔灌树种和16个凋落叶性状,采用野外分解袋法和室内样品分析等方法研究了长白山阔叶红松林内主要树种凋落叶分解速率及其与凋落叶性状的关系。1年的野外分解实验表明,30个树种的凋落叶重量损失率表现出较大差异。不同树种凋落叶的重量损失率在20.56%—92.11%之间,以红松(Pinus koraiensis)质量损失率最低,东北山梅花(Philadelphus schrenkii)质量损失率最高。不同生活型树种的凋落叶在质量损失率上存在显著差异,以灌木树种凋落叶的质量损失率最高,小乔木次之,乔木树种质量损失率最低。Olson模型拟合结果表明,不同树种凋落叶的分解速率k以红松最低,瘤枝卫矛(Euonymus verrucosus)最高,分别为0.24和1.64。不同树种分解50%和95%所需的时间分别在0.43—2.86年,1.83—...     

Plant species effect on the decomposition and chemical changes of leaf litter in grassland and pine and oak forest soils

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of plant species differing in functional and phylogenetic traits on the decomposition processes of leaf litter in a grassland of Japanese pampas grass (Miscanthus sinensis) and adjacent forests of Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) and Japanese oak (Quercus crispula), representing sequential stages of secondary succession.

Methods

The litterbag experiments were carried out for 3 years in a temperate region of central Japan.

Results

The decomposition constant (Olson’s k) was 0.49, 0.39, and 0.56/year for grass, pine, and oak, respectively. Nitrogen mass decreased in grass leaf litter during decomposition, whereas the absolute amount of nitrogen increased in leaf litter of pine and oak during the first year. Holocellulose in grass leaf litter decomposed selectively over acid-unhydrolyzable residues more markedly than in leaf litter of pine and oak. ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance analysis also revealed a decrease in the relative area of O-alkyl-C in grass.

Conclusions

The different decomposition among the three litter species implied that the secondary succession from grassland to pine forest and from pine to oak forests could decrease and increase, respectively, the rate of accumulation and turnover of organic materials and N in soils.     

外源氮添加对温带荒漠地表凋落物分解及养分释放的影响

采用分解网袋法,在古尔班通古特沙漠南缘设置对照N₀(0 g N·m^-2·a^-1)、N₅(5 g N·m^-2·a^-1)、N₁₀(10 g N·m^-2·a^-1)和N₂₀(20 g N·m^-2·a^-1)4个施N处理,研究外源N添加对多枝柽柳、盐角草及两者混合凋落物分解过程及养分释放的影响,分析氮沉降对荒漠生态系统凋落物分解的影响。结果表明: 各物种凋落物的分解速率存在显著差异,经过345 d的分解,多枝柽柳、盐角草及混合物在不同N处理间的分解速率分别为0.64～0.70、0.84～0.99和0.71～0.81 kg·kg^-1·a^-1。凋落物分解过程中,N、P均表现为养分的直接释放,试验结束时,N₀、N₅、N₁₀和N₂₀处理单种凋落物及其混合物N分别释放60.6%～67.4%、56.7%～62.6%、57.4%～62.3%、46.8%～63.0%,P分别释放51.9%～77.9%、59.9%～74.7%、53.0%～79.9%、52.3%～76.4%。N处理对单种凋落物及其混合物的分解影响不显著,但各种凋落物的养分动态对N添加的响应不同,N处理抑制了盐角草N、P释放及混合凋落物P释放,而对多枝柽柳无影响。在温带荒漠,适量的N输入对凋落物分解速率影响不大,但可能会延缓个别物种养分向土壤系统的归还。     

Mixing effects of litter decomposition at plant organ and species levels in a temperate grassland

Plant and Soil - Non-additive effects during the decomposition of mixed litter at species level have important consequences on ecosystem nutrient cycling, whereas such effect at plant organ level...