Early patterns of heterotroph activity in conifer logs

SynopsisFindings from the first two years of a long-term study of conifer log decomposition are presented. Log decomposition is regulated by the physical and chemical states, and development of decomposer foodwebs. The functional group with the greatest initial effect on the log is the channelisers, represented in our study by ambrosia and bark beetles. They not only create multitudes of channels into the logs but vector the initial decomposer community. Ambrosia beetles exclude certain elements of the decomposer community from channels until they vacate the log, at the end of their reproductive phase. The foodweb during the early stages of decomposition includes nitrogen-fixing and other bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and arthropods. Seasonal fluctuations of temperature and moisture are hypothesised to work in tandem to modulate the activities of the decomposer community.