Nutrient dynamics and lignocellulose degradation in decomposing Quercus serrata leaf litter

The litter mass loss, concentration and mass of some major nutrient elements, degradation of lignin and cellulose in decomposing Quercus serrata Murray leaf litter were monitored for 3 years using the litterbag method. The mobility of elements during the course of the study was in the order of: K > P > C > Mg > Ca > N. Three patterns of nutrient dynamics were observed: (i) concentration increased while mass decreased (N, Mg and Ca); (ii) concentration and nutrient mass decreased (K and C); and (iii) both concentration and mass had fluctuated (P). The C to element ratio tended to increase as the element was released, and decreased as the element was retained. Nitrogen mobility in relation to carbon was characterized by three phases: (i) initial release; (ii) accumulation and (iii) final release. The decay rate (k) calculated from 0–6 months period was overestimated for an average annual rate while those of 0–36 months fit the negative single exponential model (Adj. r² = 0.99) better than shorter periods. For lignin, the concentration had increased then decreased but tended to stabilize after 1 year while the lignin mass had continuously decreased throughout the study period. During the first 9 months, both the concentrations and mass of cellulose had fluctuated but declined thereafter. The amounts of N had initially increased but declined after 1 year; P had fluctuated while K, Ca, Mg and C had decreased throughout the study. N and C/N ratio exerted strong influence on mass loss during the first24 months but the influence of lignin emerged after 24 months.