Effects of microarthropods on the seasonal dynamics of nutrients in forest litter

The amounts of Ca, K, Mg and P were measured in leaf litter contained in litter bags in a southeastern United States deciduous forest. Half of the litter was treated with naphthalene, a chemical that reduced microarthropod densities to about 10% of those found in untreated litter. Phosphorus losses were significantly greater in untreated litter. After initial elemental losses, amounts of Ca, K and Mg generally increased in 9–12 month-old untreated litter, while naphthalene-treated litter generally showed no seasonal dynamics. Seasonal amounts of nutrients in forest litter depend upon elemental mobility, inputs of nutrients in rainfall, throughfall and particulates, and nutrient retention by forest floor biota. Microarthropods increase nutrient loss from forest litter by comminution; however, microbial stimulation as a result of microarthropod feeding activities appears to increase the nutrient retention capacities of forest litter.