Nitrogen release from litter in relation to the disappearance of lignin

Nitrogen dynamics were followed in several decomposing forest foliage litters in two contrasting ecosystem types. Litter types showing a significant net accumulation before a net release started were subjected to a study on nitrogen release mechanisms. In all cases no net release of nitrogen took place until a decomposition of the recalcitrant lignin fraction had started. The use of lignin as a predictor for the onset of a net nitrogen release was found to be better than the C/N ratio.