Leaf litter decomposition in a chaparral ecosystem, Southern California

Decomposition losses from leaves of three evergreen chaparral species, scrub oak (Quercus dumosa), ceanothus (Ceanothus crassifolius), and manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca), were quantified over a 2-y field exposure using litterbags. Changes in ash-free dry mass, C, and N were monitored at 2- to 6-month intervals at four replicate sites composed of patches of these three chaparral species. Three proximate C fractions were extracted from fresh and decomposing litter samples: polar and non-polar extractives (EXT), acid-solubles (ACID), and acid-insolubles (KLIG). The chemical structure of fresh and decomposed litter was additionally characterized using high-resolution solid-state ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, while morphological properties were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After 2 y, the litters had lost between 20.7%±1.2 (Ceanothus) and 35.2%±6.8 (Quercus) of their original ash-free dry mass. The manzanita decomposed at a significantly faster rate than the other two litter types during the first few months of field exposure. Yet, after 2 y, mass loss was greater for the oak. Differences in decomposition rates could not be accounted for based on a single litter quality index. Fresh manzanita exhibited a significantly higher N content, which could explain its initially faster decay rate. Fresh oak litter, on the other hand, had a relatively high ACID and O-alkyl C (O-ALK) content, which may have been responsible for its decay pattern. Fresh ceanothus contained a relatively low KLIG content, yet it decomposed more slowly than the two other species. The solid-state ¹³C NMR spectra of the ceanothus litter had two peaks characteristic of proanthocyanidins, which likely contributed to the recalcitrance of this litter type. SEM revealed that ceanothus leaf surfaces were left nearly unchanged after field exposure. In comparison, the oak and manzanita leaf surfaces were pitted and covered by microbial growth to the point of being unrecognizable. Taken together, our results indicate that a combination of biological, physical and chemical factors need to be examined to clarify the different decomposition rates and patterns of these three chaparral species.     

Decomposition and substrate quality of leaf litters and fine roots from three exotic plantations and a native forest in the southwestern highlands of Ethiopia

Substrate quality and decomposition (measured as CO₂ release in laboratory microcosms) of fresh leaf litter and fine roots of Cupressus lusitanica, Pinus patula, Eucalyptus grandis and native forest trees were studied. Changes in litter chemistry in each forest stand were analysed by comparing fresh leaf litter (collected from trees) and decomposed litter from the forest floor. Elemental concentrations, proximate fractions including monomeric sugars, and cross polarisation magic-angle spinning (CPMAS) ¹³C NMR spectra were analysed in leaf litters, decomposed litter and fine roots. Leaf litters and fine roots varied in their initial substrate chemistry with Ca concentration in leaf litters being higher than that in fine roots. In each stand, fine roots had a higher acid unhydrolysable residue (AUR) (except for the Pinus stand), higher holocellulose concentration and lower concentration of water-soluble extractives (WSE) and dichloromethane extractives (NPE) than fresh leaf litter. Likewise, ¹³C NMR spectra of fine roots showed lower alkyl and carboxyl C, and higher phenolic (except P. patula), aromatic and O-alkyl C proportions than leaf litters. Compared with fresh leaf litter, decomposed litter had lower concentrations of potassium, holocellulose, WSE, NPE, arabinose and galactose, similar or higher concentrations of Mg, Ca, S and P, and higher concentrations of N and AUR. CPMAS ¹³C NMR spectra of decomposed litter showed a higher relative increase in signal intensity due to methoxyl C, aromatic C, phenolic C and carboxylic C compared with alkyl C. In a microcosm decomposition study, the proportion of initial C remaining in leaf litter and fine roots significantly fitted an exponential regression model. The decomposition constants (k) ranged between 0.0013 and 0.0030 d⁻¹ for leaf litters and 0.0010-0.0017 d⁻¹ for fine roots. In leaf litters there was a positive correlation between the k value and the initial Ca concentration, and in fine roots there was an analogous positive correlation with initial WSE. Leaf litters decomposed in the order Cupressus>native forest>Eucalyptus∼Pinus, and fine roots in the order Pinus>native forest>Cupressus∼Eucalyptus. In each stand the fine root decomposition was significantly lower than the leaf litter decomposition, except for the P. patula stand where the order was reversed.     

Effects of mycorrhizal roots and extraradical hyphae on N uptake from vineyard cover crop litter and the soil microbial community

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the contribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal hyphae to ¹⁵N uptake from vineyard cover crop litter (Medicago polymorpha), and to examine the soil microbial community under the influence of mycorrhizal roots and extraradical hyphae. Mycorrhizal grapevines (Vitis vinifera) were grown in specially designed containers, within which a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mesh core was inserted. Different sizes of mesh allowed mycorrhizal roots (mycorrhizosphere treatment) or extraradical hyphae (hyphosphere treatment) to access dual labeled ¹⁵N and ¹³C cover crop litter that was placed inside the cores after 4 months of grapevine growth. Mesh cores in the bulk soil treatment, which served as a negative control, had the same mesh size as the hyphosphere treatment, but frequent rotation prevented extraradical hyphae from accessing the litter. Grapevines and soils were harvested 0, 7, 14, and 28 days after addition of the cover crop litter and examined for the presence of ¹⁵N. Soil microbial biomass and the soil microbial community inside the mesh cores were examined using phospholipid fatty acid analysis. ¹⁵N concentrations in grapevines in the hyphosphere treatment were twice that of grapevines in the bulk soil treatment, suggesting that extraradical hyphae extending from mycorrhizal grapevine roots may have a role in nutrient utilization from decomposing vineyard cover crops in the field. Nonetheless, grapevines in the mycorrhizosphere treatment had the highest ¹⁵N concentrations, thus highlighting the importance of a healthy grapevine root system in nutrient uptake. We detected similar peaks in soil microbial biomass in the mycorrhizosphere and hyphosphere treatments after addition of the litter, despite significantly lower microbial biomass in the hyphosphere treatment initially. Our results suggest that although grapevine roots play a dominant role in the uptake of nutrients from a decomposing cover crop, AM hyphae may have a more important role in maintaining soil microbial communities associated with nutrient cycling.     

Community and ecosystem consequences of giant knotweed (Polygonum sachalinense) invasion into riparian forests of western Washington, USA

The invasive, non-native herb, giant knotweed (Polygonum sachalinense), is becoming increasingly common in riparian corridors throughout North America and Europe. Despite its prevalence, there has been limited study of its ecological impacts. We investigated the effects of knotweed invasion on the abundance and diversity of forest understory plants, and the quantity and nutrient quality of leaf-litter inputs, in riparian forests in western Washington, USA. Among 39 sampling locations, knotweed stem density ranged from 0 to 8.8 m⁻². Richness and abundance (cover or density) of native herbs, shrubs, and juvenile trees (?3 m tall) were negatively correlated with knotweed density. Where knotweed was present (>5.3 stems m⁻²), litter mass of native species was reduced by 70%. Carbon:nitrogen ratio of knotweed litter was 52:1, a value 38-58% higher than that of native woody species (red alder [Alnus rubra] and willow [Salix spp.]). Resorption of foliar N prior to leaf drop was 76% in knotweed but only 5-33% among native woody species. By displacing native species and reducing nutrient quality of litter inputs, knotweed invasion has the potential to cause long-term changes in the structure and functioning of riparian forests and adjacent aquatic habitats.     

紫茎泽兰叶片凋落物对入侵地4 种草本植物的化感作用

为了明确紫茎泽兰叶片凋落物对入侵地草本植物的化感作用, 研究了不同浓度紫茎泽兰叶片凋落物水提液对入侵地草本植物多年生黑麦草、白三叶、辣子草和紫花苜蓿种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响, 同时结合土培试验研究了叶片凋落物在入侵地土壤中的化感作用。结果表明, 除多年生黑麦草外, 水提液对其他3 种草本植物种子萌发均产生了显著的化感抑制作用, 且水提液的浓度越高抑制效果越强; 低浓度水提液对紫花苜蓿和辣子草的幼苗生长存在显著化感促进作用, 高浓度的水提液对除多年生黑麦草外的其他3 种植物幼苗的生长存在显著化感抑制作用, 水提液对多年生黑麦草幼苗生长的影响不显著; 土壤中按照50 g·kg^-1的比例添加叶片凋落物后, 显著抑制了白三叶的生长, 而添加活性炭后, 白三叶的单株生物量相对于未添加活性炭的处理增加71.25%, 进一步证实叶片凋落物在土壤中的化感抑制作用。这说明外来入侵植物紫茎泽兰可能通过其叶片凋落物在入侵地土壤中降解, 释放化感物质, 抑制伴生植物的种子萌发和幼苗生长, 为自身创造有利的生长环境, 实现其成功入侵和扩张。     

Experimental evidence for the interacting effects of forest edge,moisture and soil macrofauna on leaf litter decomposition

Forest ecosystems have been widely fragmented by human land use. Fragmentation induces significant microclimatic and biological differences at the forest edge relative to the forest interior. Increased exposure to solar radiation and wind at forest edges reduces soil moisture, which in turn affects leaf litter decomposition. We investigate the effect of forest fragmentation, soil moisture, soil macrofauna and litter quality on leaf litter decomposition to test the hypothesis that decomposition will be slower at a forest edge relative to the interior and that this effect is driven by lower soil moisture at the forest edge. Experimental plots were established at Wytham Woods, UK, and an experimental watering treatment was applied in plots at the forest edge and interior. Decomposition rate was measured using litter bags of two different mesh sizes, to include or exclude invertebrate macrofauna, and containing leaf litter of two tree species: easily decomposing ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) and recalcitrant oak (Quercus robur L.). The decomposition rate was moisture-limited at both sites. However, the soil was moister and decomposition for both species was faster in the forest interior than at the edge. The presence of macrofauna accelerated the decomposition rate regardless of moisture conditions, and was particularly important in the decomposition of the recalcitrant oak. However, there was no effect of the watering treatment on macrofauna species richness and abundance. This study demonstrates the effect of forest fragmentation on an important ecosystem process, providing new insights into the interacting effects of moisture conditions, litter quality, forest edge and soil macrofauna.     

The effect of mixing ground leaf litters to soil on the development of pitch pine ectomycorrhizal and soil arthropod communities in natural soil microcosm systems

The addition of leaf litter to soil influences both the nutrients and polyphenols of soil. It is likely that contrasting nutrient and polyphenolic composition of different plant litters may affect plant growth, mycorrhizal and soil arthropod communities. We report results from a microcosm experiment of effects of incorporation of three single leaf litter species and a mixture of all three on pitch pine seedling growth, their ectomycorrhizal community and soil arthropod community. The three litter species (pine, oak and huckleberry) represent co-dominant species within the New Jersey pine barrens ecosystem. We show that the leaf litters have different composition of nutrients and polyphenols, with rooting matrix containing pine litter having lower inorganic nitrogen content (1.6 μg g⁻¹) than oak (19.9 μg g⁻¹) and huckleberry (4.4 μg g⁻¹), but oak litter having the highest extractable phosphorus (13.3 cf. 0-0.08 μg g⁻¹) and total phenol content and lowest condensed tannin content. These differences were imparted to rooting matrix of homogenized humic (Oa) layer of pine barrens soil to which milled leaf litter was added and used in the microcosms. Pitch pine seedlings grew significantly better in un-amended rooting matrix (0.33±0.02 g) than any of the litter treatments (0.15±0.02-0.17±0.01 g) and tissue P concentrations tracked phosphate concentrations in the rooting matrix. Total P accumulation into plant tissue was higher in oak than control, attributable to a significantly higher (P<0.05) accumulation in roots (3.3±0.19 mg g⁻¹) compared to other species (1.1±0.04-2.3±0.08 mg g⁻¹). No relationship was seen between tissue N concentration and soil N, but seedlings growing in huckleberry litter amended soil accumulated less N than control. The effect of leaf litters on the ectomycorrhizal community composition were determined by PCA (first two axes accounted for 81% of the variance) and stepwise multiple regression analysis. These analyses showed that huckleberry leaf litter had a significant impact on mycorrhizal community composition with morphotypes Cg and DB being more abundant in the presence of huckleberry litter (178±13 cf. 68±15-106±15 for Cg and 141±11 cf. 88±23-111±18 for DB) and its influence of elevating nitrate nitrogen, organic nitrogen, total phenols and protein precipitation content of the rooting matrix. Mycorrhizal morphotypes BS and SB were significantly more abundant in the community where these soil factors were low in the absence of leaf litter addition. Total ectomycorrhizal abundance was negatively related to hydrolysable tannin concentration in the rooting matrix (r²=0.132, P<0.05). There was no influence of leaf litter type on mite density (dominated by non-burrowing phthiracarids), but collembolan density (dominated by Folsomia spp) showed a greater than threefold reduction in population density in the presence of leaf litter (F=6.47, P<0.05). Collembolan density was positively correlated with mycorrhizal morphotypes GS and SB (P<0.05) and negatively related to morphotypes DB (P<0.05) and soil extractable NH₄-N (P<0.05), suggesting a possible selection of fungal species in their diet and a relationship between collembola and nitrification.     

Short term and long term effects of bibionid (Diptera: Bibionidae) larvae feeding on microbial respiration and alder litter decomposition

Temporal changes of microbial respiration of leaf litter during gut passage by two species of bibionid flies (Penthetria holosericae and Bibio marci) and immediately after defecation were studied as well as the effect of B. marci feeding on microbial respiration in the remaining consumed leaf litter. Respiration in the guts of both species was lower than respiration of the original leaves. Microbial respiration increased after defecation, but respiration was higher in comparison with the original litter only for B. marci. Later, microbial respiration in both species decreased dramatically over several hours. Respiration of the remains of consumed leaves, from which the excrements were removed, was significantly higher than the respiration of non-consumed leaves. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that plant cells in the unconsumed part of the litter were massively broken-up by feeding activity and potentially exposed to microbial colonisation from the surrounding soil and microflora coming from the excrements deposited on the consumed litter. Long term (11 months) exposure of leaf litter and excrements produced from this litter showed that the decomposition of excrements was significantly slower than that of leaves. These findings indicate that bibionid feeding activity causes a short term increase in microbial mineralization of litter, but slows it down in the long term.     

Palatability trials on hardwood leaf litter grown under elevated CO2: a stable carbon isotope study

The palatability to isopods and microbes of a broad range of hardwood leaf litter, derived from three field CO₂-enrichment experiments in the USA, was investigated, using δ¹³C, to trace the C flow from litter to isopods and to CO₂ respired by microbial decomposition. Leaf litter grown under elevated CO₂ had δ¹³C values ranging from −39 to −45‰, which were significantly different from ambient litter δ¹³C values of around −30‰. Litter palatability to isopods of the Porcellio sp. was tested by incubating ambient- and elevated-CO₂ litter, and a mixture of the two, in the presence of isopods for 14 days, under environmentally controlled conditions; δ¹³C was measured on litter and isopods' body before and after incubation. In an additional experiment, litter was incubated in the absence of fauna for 30 days, and on five occasions the δ¹³C of the CO₂ respired from litter was measured. The ¹³C label was clearly carried from the litter source to the isopods' bodies, and their faeces. For microbial-respired CO₂, δ¹³C was significantly higher than that of the litter source, suggesting preferential degradation of substrates enriched in ¹³C as compared to those in the overall litter. With the exception of Quercus myrtifolia leaf litter, elevated CO₂ did not affect the palatability to isopods nor the microbial degradation of any of the litters, possibly as a result of unaltered litter N concentration. However, significant differences in litter palatability and decay rates were observed among the different species. With this study, the use of isotopically labelled litter material was confirmed as a key methodology that can significantly contribute to the advancement of the understanding of litter decomposition and of the quantification of C fluxes in the process.     

Interactions between bacteria,streptomycetes and fungi from Picea sitchensis litter

Streptomycete spores germinated most successfully when placed amongst hyphae of fungi that they could subsequently antagonize. The hyphae of many streptomycetes from Picea litter were able to antagonize fungi from the same habitat, but they were less effective against a group of alien fungi. Streptomycete hyphae were shown to be able to grow at the expense of antagonized fungal hyphae which suggested that they were gaining nutrients from the interaction. The fungal-streptomycete interactions were similar to interfungal hyphal interference reactions. No instances of hyphal penetration were recorded. Many bacteria from the H layer were able to lyse dead Streptomycete hyphae and they were shown to be capable of using both dead and living Streptomycete hyphae as a sole C source. Bacteria from the L and F litter layers were less active in these respects.     

The role of Armadillidium vulgare (Isopoda: Oniscidea) in litter decomposition and soil organic matter stabilization

We studied the effects of the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare on organic matter decomposition and stabilization in a long-term (65-week) laboratory experiment. We quantified the microbial activity in leaf litter (Acer pseudoplatanus) which did not come into contact with isopods, in A. vulgare feces produced from the same litter, and in unconsumed leftover of this litter. Freshly fallen leaf litter and up to 3 day old feces and leftover of litter were used. All materials were air dried immediately after collection and rewetted 1 day before use. Simultaneously, we measured how microbial activity in litter and feces are affected by fluctuations in humidity and temperature and by the addition of easily decomposed substances (starch and glucose).Microbial respiration was lower in feces than in litter or unconsumed leaf fragments. At the same time, moisture and temperature fluctuations and addition of glucose or starch increased respiration much more in litter than in feces. The results indicate that the processing of litter by A. vulgare reduces microbial respiration and reduces the sensitivity of microbial respiration to environmental fluctuations. ¹³C NMR spectra from feces indicated preferential loss of polysaccharide-carbon and accumulation of lignin with some modification to the aromatic-carbon. TMAH-Py-GC MS showed that lignin content was higher in feces than in litter and that lignin quality differed between the two substrates. Guaiacyl units were depleted in the feces, which indicated breakdown of guaiacyl associated with gut passage. As a conclusion, the results suggest that this common isopod greatly affects leaf litter decomposition. Decomposition of isopod feces in a long-term experiment is lower than litter decomposition which may support stabilization of organic matter in soil. This is caused mainly due to higher content of aromatic carbon in feces, which may cause its considerable resistance to bacterial degradation.     

Laccase and peroxidase isoenzymes during leaf litter decomposition of Quercus ilex in a Mediterranean ecosystem

The dynamics of leaf litter decomposition of Quercus ilex (L.) were investigated over a 2 year period by determining the activities and isoenzyme distribution of laccases and peroxidases. The analysis of isoenzymes was performed by isoelectric focusing on high stability pH gradients with high resolving power. The preparation of zymograms was carried out using the leaf litter extract without previous concentration. During litter decomposition, laccase and peroxidase activities changed as well as the type and number of enzyme isoforms. The activities of both enzymes were low (≤0.017 and ≤0.031 mmol o-tolidine oxidized h⁻¹ g⁻¹ d.w. for laccase and peroxidase, respectively) in first year and increased in October-January of the second year of litter decay. The highest activities measured after 15-18 months of litter exposure (0.37±0.03 and 0.19±0.02 mmol o-tolidine oxidized h⁻¹ g⁻¹ d.w. for laccase and peroxidase, respectively), showed that litter chemical composition affected the growth of ligninolytic microbial community. The activation energy for laccase and peroxidase reactions also changed during decomposition: the highest values (55±6 kJ mol⁻¹ for laccase and 60±6 kJ mol⁻¹ for peroxidase) occurred in autumn-winter, even if spatial changes were evidenced. Some enzyme isoforms (pI=5.3 and 5.5 for laccase and pI=5.0 and 5.1 for peroxidase, respectively), contributed more than others to the overall laccase and peroxidase activity, suggesting that some ligninolytic species bloomed in particular seasons of the year, even if other species with similar functional activities colonized the litter.     

Seasonal dynamics of leaf- and root-derived C in arctic tundra mesocosms

We investigated contributions of leaf litter, root litter and root-derived organic material to tundra soil carbon (C) storage and transformations. ¹⁴C-labeled materials were incubated for 32 weeks in moist tussock tundra soil cores under controlled climate conditions in growth chambers, which simulated arctic fall, winter, spring and summer temperatures and photoperiods. In addition, we tested whether the presence of living plants altered litter and soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition by planting shoots of the sedge Eriophorum vaginatum in half of the cores. Our results suggest that root litter accounted for the greatest C input and storage in these tundra soils, while leaf litter was rapidly decomposed and much of the C lost to respiration. We observed transformations of ¹⁴C between fractions even when total C appeared unchanged, allowing us to elucidate sources and sinks of C used by soil microorganisms. Initial sources of C included both water soluble (WS) and acid-soluble (AS) fractions, primarily comprised of carbohydrates and cellulose, respectively. The acid-insoluble (AIS) fraction appeared to be a sink for C when conditions were favorable for plant growth. However, decreases in ¹⁴C activity from the AIS fraction between the fall and spring harvests in all treatments indicated that microorganisms consumed recalcitrant C compounds when soil temperatures were below 0 °C. In planted leaf litter cores and in both planted and unplanted SOM cores, the greatest amounts of ¹⁴C at the end of the experiment were found in the AIS fraction, suggesting a high rate of humification or accumulation of decay-resistant plant tissues. In unplanted leaf litter cores and planted and unplanted root litter cores most of the ¹⁴C remaining at the end of the experiment was in the AS fraction suggesting less extensive humification of leaf and root detritus. Overall, the presence of living plants stimulated decomposition of leaf litter by creating favorable conditions for microbial activity at the soil surface. In contrast, plants appeared to inhibit decomposition of root litter and SOM, perhaps because of microbial preferences for newer, more labile inputs from live roots.     

Leaf litter decomposition in the pure and mixed plantations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cunninghamia lanceolata</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Michelia macclurei</Emphasis> in subtropical China

Leaf litter decomposition of Cunninghamia lanceolata, Michelia macclurei, and their mixture in the corresponding stands in subtropical China was studied using the litterbag method. The objective was to assess the influence of native evergreen broadleaved species on leaf litter decomposition. The hypotheses were: (1) M. macclurei leaf litter with lower C/N ratio and higher initial N concentration decomposed faster than C. lanceolata litter, (2) decomposition rates in litter mixtures could be predicted from single-species decay rates, and (3) litters decomposed more rapidly at the site that contained the same species as in the litterbag. The mass loss of leaf litter was positively correlated with initial N concentration and negatively correlated with C/N ratio. The decomposition rate of M. macclurei leaf litter was significantly higher than that of C. lanceolata needle litter in the pure C. lanceolata stand. Contrary to what would be predicted, the litter mixture decomposed more slowly than expected based on the results from component species decomposing alone. There was no significant difference in litter decomposition rate between different habitats.     

Mass loss and nutrient release during litter decay in peatland: The role of microbial adaptability to litter chemistry

In peatlands the reduced decomposition rate of plant litter is the fundamental mechanism making these peat-accumulating ecosystems effective carbon sinks. A better knowledge of litter decomposition and nutrient cycling is thus crucial to improve our predictions of the effects of anthropogenic perturbation on the capacity of peatlands to continue to behave as carbon sinks. We investigated patterns of plant litter decomposition and nutrient release along a minerotrophic-ombrotrophic gradient in a bog on the south-eastern Alps of Italy. We determined mass loss as well as P, N, K, and C release of seven vascular plant species and four moss species after 1 year in both native and transplanted habitats. Hence, differences in litter decay were supposed to reflect the degree of adaptability of microbial communities to litter quality. Polyphenols/nutrient and C/nutrient quotients appeared as the main parameters accounting for decomposition rates of Sphagnum litter. In particular, litter of minerotrophic Sphagnum species decomposed always faster than litter of ombrotrophic Sphagnum species, both in native and transplanted habitats. Decomposition rates of vascular plant litter in native habitats were always higher than the corresponding mass loss rates of Sphagnum litter. Minerotrophic forbs showed the fastest decomposition both in native and transplanted habitats in accordance with low C/P and C/N litter quotients. On the other hand, C/P quotient seems to play a primary role also in controlling decomposition of graminoids. Decomposition of deciduous and evergreen shrubs was negatively related to their high lignin content. Nitrogen release from Sphagnum litter was primarily controlled by C/N quotient, so that minerotrophic Sphagnum litter released more N than ombrotrophic Sphagnum litter. Overall, we observed slower N release from litter of ombrotrophic vascular plant species compared to minerotrophic vascular plant species. No single chemical parameter could predict the variability associated with different functional groups. The release of K was very high compared to all the other nutrients and rather similar between ombrotrophic and minerotrophic litter types. In Sphagnum litter, a higher C/P quotient was associated with a slower P mineralisation, whereas a faster P release from vascular plant litter seems primarily associated with lower C/P and polyphenols/P quotients.     

Lignin and cellulose degradation and nitrogen dynamics during decomposition of three leaf litter species in a Mediterranean ecosystem

Cellulose and lignin degradation dynamics was monitored during the leaf litter decomposition of three typical species of the Mediterranean area, Cistus incanus L., Myrtus communis L. and Quercus ilex L., using the litter bag method. Total N and its distribution among lignin, cellulose and acid-detergent-soluble fractions were measured and related to the overall decay process. The litter organic substance of Cistus and Myrtus decomposed more rapidly than that of Quercus. The decay constants were 0.47 year⁻¹, 0.75 year⁻¹ and 0.30 year⁻¹ for Cistus, Myrtus and Quercus, respectively. Lignin and cellulose contents were different as were their relative amounts (34 and 18%, 15 and 37%, 37 and 39% of the overall litter organic matter before exposure, for Cistus, Myrtus and Quercus, respectively). Lignin began to decrease after 6 and 8 months of exposure in Cistus and Myrtus, respectively, while it did not change significantly during the entire study period in Quercus. The holocellulose, in contrast, began to decompose in Cistus after 1 year, while in Quercus and Myrtus immediately. Nitrogen was strongly immobilized in all the litters in the early period of decay. Its release began after the first year in Cistus and Myrtus and after 2 years of decomposition in Quercus. These litters still contained about 60, 20 and 90% of the initial nitrogen at the end of the experiment (3 years). Prior to litter exposure nitrogen associated with the lignin fraction was 65, 54 and 37% in Cistus, Myrtus and Quercus, while that associated with the cellulose fraction was 30, 24 and 28%. Although most of the nitrogen was not lost from litters, its distribution among the litter components changed significantly during decomposition. In Cistus and Myrtus the nitrogen associated with lignin began to decrease just 4 months after exposure. In Quercus this process was slowed and after 3 years of decomposition 8% of the nitrogen remained associated with lignin or lignin-like substances. The nitrogen associated with cellulose or cellulose-like substances, in contrast, began to decrease from the beginning of cellulose decomposition in all three species. At the end of the study period most of the nitrogen was not associated to the lignocellulose fraction but to the acid-detergent-soluble substance (87, 88 and 84% of the remaining litter nitrogen).     

UVB exposure does not accelerate rates of litter decomposition in a semi-arid riparian ecosystem

Aboveground litter decomposition is controlled mainly by substrate quality and climate factors across terrestrial ecosystems, but photodegradation from exposure to high-intensity ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation may also be important in arid and semi-arid environments. We investigated the interactive effects of UVB exposure and litter quality on decomposition in a Tamarix-invaded riparian ecosystem during the establishment of an insect biological control agent in northern Nevada. Feeding by the northern tamarisk beetle (Diorhabda carinulata) on Tamarix spp. trees leads to altered leaf litter quality and increased exposure to solar UVB radiation from canopy opening. In addition, we examined the dynamics of litter decomposition of the invasive exotic Lepidium latifolium, because it is well-situated to invade beetle-infested Tamarix sites. Three leaf litter types (natural Tamarix, beetle-affected Tamarix, and L. latifolium) differing in substrate quality were decomposed in litterbags for one year in the field. Litterbags were subjected to one of three treatments: (1) Ambient UVB or (2) Reduced UVB (where UVB was manipulated by using clear plastic films that transmit or block UVB), and (3) No Cover (a control used to test for the effect of using the plastic films, i.e. a cover effect). Results showed a large cover effect on rates of decomposition and nutrient release, and our findings suggested that frequent cycles of freeze-thaw, and possibly rainfall intensity, influenced decomposition at this site. Contrary to our expectations, greater UVB exposure did not result in faster rates of decomposition. Greater UVB exposure resulted in decreased rates of decomposition and P release for the lower quality litter and no change in rates of decomposition and nutrient release for the two higher quality litter types, possibly due to a negative effect of UVB on soil microbes. Among litter types, rates of decomposition and net release of N and P followed this ranking: L. latifolium > beetle-affected Tamarix > natural Tamarix. Altered nutrient dynamics with beetle introduction as well as the rapid decomposition rates exhibited by L. latifolium are consistent with vulnerability to secondary invasion. In this desert ecosystem, decomposition and nutrient release were strongly affected by litter type and much less so by UVB exposure.     

Compartmentalization of the soil animal food web as indicated by dual analysis of stable isotope ratios (N/N and C/C)

The soil animal food web has become a focus of recent ecological research but trophic relationships still remain enigmatic for many taxa. Analysis of stable isotope ratios of N and C provides a powerful tool for disentangling food web structure. In this study, animals, roots, soil and litter material from a temperate deciduous forest were analysed. The combined measurement of δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C provided insights into the compartmentalization of the soil animal food web. Leaf litter feeders were separated from animals relying mainly on recent belowground carbon resources and from animals feeding on older carbon. The trophic pathway of leaf litter-feeding species appears to be a dead end, presumably because leaf litter feeders (mainly diplopods and oribatid mites) are unavailable to predators due to large size and/or strong sclerotization. Endogeic earthworms that rely on older carbon also appear to exist in predator-free space. The data suggest that the largest trophic compartment constitutes of ectomycorrhizal feeders and their predators. Additionally, there is a smaller trophic compartment consisting of predators likely feeding on enchytraeids and potentially nematodes.     

Effects of acid rain on leaf-litter decomposition in a beech forest on calcareous soil

Summary The effects of simulated acid rain on litter decomposition in a calcareous soil (pH_{H 2 O} 5.8) were studied. Litterbags (45 m and 1 mm mesh size) containing freshly fallen beech leaf litter were exposed to different concentrations of acid in a beech forest on limestone (Göttinger Wald. Germany) for 1 year. Loss of C, the ash content, and CO₂–C production were measured at the end of the experiment. Further tests measured the ability of the litter-colonizing microflora to metabolize ¹⁴C-labelled beech leaf litter and hyphae. The simulated acid rain strongly reduced CO₂–C and ¹⁴CO₂–C production in the litter. This depression in production was very strong when the input of protons was 1.5 times greater than the normal acid deposition, but comparatively low when the input was 32 times greater. acid deposition may thus cause a very strong accumulation of primary and secondary C compounds in the litter layer of base-rich soils, even with a moderate increase in proton input. The presence of mesofauna significantly reduced the ability of the acid rain to inhibit C mineralization. The ash content to the 1-mm litterbags indicated that this was largely due to transport of base-rich mineral soil into the litter.     

Feeding preferences of native terrestrial isopod species (Oniscoidea,Isopoda) for native and introduced leaf litter

Due to current predictions for Central Europe that forecast higher frequencies of hot and dry summers, Mediterranean drought-tolerant oak species are being evaluated as future forest trees for German forest sites that are becoming increasingly damaged by water deficit. As a result of planting foreign tree species, the leaf litter composition and thus the food resources of native saprophagous macroarthropods will change, possibly altering primary decomposition processes. Therefore, experiments concerning the acceptance and palatability of introduced versus native litter for native isopods were undertaken. Consumption rates of four native isopod species (Porcellio scaber, Oniscus asellus, Trachelipus rathkii, Trachelipus ratzeburgii) were investigated in laboratory choice tests with introduced (Quercus pubescens, Quercus frainetto, Quercus ilex) and comparable native (Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur) leaf litter. Litter was characterized by measurement of C/N-ratios and lignin content. Although species-specific preferences of isopods could be observed in the experiments, Mediterranean oak litter was consumed by all investigated species. Furthermore, two isopod species even preferred the leaf litter of the introduced Q. ilex. Compared to native beech or oak litter, litter from these introduced tree species thus apparently do not negatively influence the consumption rates of terrestrial isopods. Possible reasons for the determined preferences are discussed.