Release and uptake of minerals during decomposition of plant litter in fishpond littoral

Changes in chemical composition of autochthonous plant litter undergoing decomposition in litter mesh-bags exposed in a transect across four vegetational zones of a fishpond littoral were estimated during the spring, summer and winter season. The highest decomposition rate was found in all four zones in spring, the lowest one in winter. The decomposition was faster in the two aquatic than in the two terrestrial zones in the spring and the summer season. The litter was enriched with nitrogen and released potassium in all locelities and seasons. The uptake or release of other mineral constituents appeared to be specific for each zone and to depend on the season of the year.