Decomposition of chestnut oak (Quercus prinus) leaves and nitrogen mineralization in an urban environment |
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Authors: | Mitchell A. Pavao-Zuckerman David C. Coleman |
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Affiliation: | (1) Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;(2) Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA |
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Abstract: | We studied soil processes along an urban to rural gradient. To determine the ecosystem response to the urban soil environment, we measured (1) leaf litter decomposition rates using a reference leaf litter, and (2) net N-mineralization and net nitrification rates using paired in situ soil cores. A significant trend toward slower litter decomposition rates toward the urban end of the gradient was observed. In addition, percent ash-free dry mass remaining of the litter was significantly higher during the course of the study but was not statistically significant at the final sampling date. Litter C:N ratio had a complex response with respect to degree of urban land use, and litter % N did not differ between land-use types. Litter decomposition rates were not significantly correlated with observed soil physicochemical and biological characteristics but were influenced by soil moisture and soil organic matter. Net N-mineralization rates were higher in urban soils. Net nitrification rates did not differ with land-use type. Net N-mineralization rates were positively correlated with soil temperature, indicating a response to the urban heat island effect. Net N-mineralization rates were negatively correlated with the numbers of higher trophic level nematodes. |
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Keywords: | Urban ecology Nutrient cycling Decomposition N-mineralization Southern appalachians |
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