Litter decomposition in a cool temperate deciduous forest

1976 ◽  
Vol 54 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 419-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Lousier ◽  
D. Parkinson
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Decay Rates ◽  
Leaf Fall ◽  
Litter Fall ◽  
Litter Bag ◽  
Litter Input ◽  
Mesh Bags ◽  
Tree Leaf

Amounts of autumn tree leaf litter fall, understory litter input, tree leaf litter nutrient input, and rates of dry weight loss in decomposing leaf litter were estimated in an aspen woodland (Populus tremuloides Michx. – P. balsamifera L.) site in the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Alberta. Tree leaf litter input amounted to 250 g m−2 and comprised 3.7% of the total organic matter in the ecosystem (1.92 × 105 kg ha−1). The ratio of the weight of aspen leaf fall to balsam leaf fall was about 6:1. The tree leaf litter input and the total litter input figures were similar to those for other Northern Hemisphere aspen forests. The understory litter input in the study plots was measured as 99 g m−2. The importance by weight of some of the nutrients returned to the soil via tree leaf litter fall was Ca > N > K > Mg > P > Zn > Fe > Mn > Na > Cu. The total weight of these nutrients returned to the soil was 116 kg ha−1, with N, Ca, and K comprising 89% and Mg and P comprising 9.8% of the total.The dry weight loss of decomposing aspen and balsam leaves was measured at 1-, 5-, 8-, 12-, 18-, 24-, and 30-month intervals by using 3-mm-mesh litter bags, and at 12-, 24-, 36-, 48-, and 60-month intervals by using 10-mm-mesh bags. Litter-bag mesh size was of little consequence to the rate of dry weight loss for the first 12 months, but subsequent dry weight loss was greater in the 3-mm-mesh bags, which maintained higher, more representative, moisture conditions than did the 10-mm-mesh bags. However, tethered leaves lost 1.7 times more weight over the first 12 months of decomposition than did confined litter. The decay rate decline with time and with the depth of the litter bag in the litter layers, with maximum dry weight loss occurring over the period encompassing the fall freeze, winter, and the spring thaw and runoff. Leaf litter placed on north-facing slopes was characterized by significantly slower decay rates than that on south-facing slopes.The dry weight loss for aspen leaf litter was 26.2 ± 2.0% after 12 months. 40.0 ± 1.6% after 30 months, and 58.7% after 60 months (by regression): for balsam litter it was 21.2 ± 1.9% after 12 months, 37.4 ± 1.7% after 30 months, and 47.9% after 60 months (by regression). The highly leachable component of leaf litter was estimated at 23.1% for aspen and 21.4% for balsam. The time required for 99% decomposition was calculated as about 24 years for aspen and about 27 years for balsam, which gives average annual decay rates of 3.2% for aspen and 2.9% for balsam. The decay rate for Populus leaf litter was lower than that for aspen in Alaska and appeared to fit the range for deciduous leaf litter from some forested IBP Tundra Biome sites.

scholarly journals Relative In Vitro Wood Decay Resistance of Sapwood from Landscape Trees of Southern Temperate Regions

HortScience ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Baietto ◽  
A. Dan Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Wood Decay ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Decay Resistance ◽  
Decay Rates ◽  
Heterobasidion Annosum ◽  
Decay Fungi ◽  
Wood Decay Fungi ◽  
Landscape Trees

The development of wood decay caused by 12 major root-rot and trunk-rot fungi was investigated in vitro with sapwood extracted from nine ornamental and landscape hardwood and conifer species native to southern temperate regions of North America, Europe, and the lower Mississippi Delta. Wood decay rates based on dry weight loss for 108 host tree–wood decay fungi combinations were compared at 21 °C over 1-year and 2-year incubation periods in the absence of tree-resistance mechanisms. Strains of Armillaria mellea, Ganoderma lucidum, and Heterobasidion annosum exhibited the highest decay potential in most tree species tested. The order of fungi causing the greatest decay varied over time as a result of temporal changes in decay-rate curves. Relative wood durability or resistance to decay generally was greater in gymnosperm than in angiosperm wood types. Quercus nuttallii, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, and Quercus lyrata sustained the highest levels of decay by all fungi. Northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) sapwood was most resistant to decay by all rot-fungi tested, sustaining only limited weight loss after 1 and 2 years of decay, although sapwood of Pinus taeda, Liquidambar styraciflua, and Platanus occidentalis had relatively low levels of decay after 2 years. These results in combination with data from portable decay-detection devices provide useful information for the management of tree breakages or failures resulting from wood decay fungi in hazardous landscape trees. Some potential landscaping applications for tree evaluations, risk assessments, and selections for tree-replacement plantings are discussed.

scholarly journals Factors controlling <i>Carex brevicuspis</i> leaf litter decomposition and its contribution to surface soil organic carbon pool at different water levels

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Lianlian Zhu ◽  
Zhengmiao Deng ◽  
Yonghong Xie ◽  
Xu Li ◽  
Feng Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Organic Carbon ◽  
Water Level ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Litter Decomposition ◽  
Decomposition Rate ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Carbon Pool ◽  
Litter Input

Abstract. Litter decomposition plays a vital role in wetland carbon cycling. However, the contribution of aboveground litter decomposition to the wetland soil organic carbon (SOC) pool has not yet been quantified. Here, we conducted a Carex brevicuspis leaf litter input experiment to clarify the intrinsic factors controlling litter decomposition and quantify its contribution to the SOC pool at different water levels. The Carex genus is ubiquitous in global freshwater wetlands. We sampled this plant leaf litter at −25, 0, and +25 cm relative to the soil surface over 280 d and analysed leaf litter decomposition and its contribution to the SOC pool. The percentage litter dry weight loss and the instantaneous litter dry weight decomposition rate were the highest at +25 cm water level (61.8 %, 0.01307 d−1), followed by the 0 cm water level (49.8 %, 0.00908 d−1), and the lowest at −25 cm water level (32.4 %, 0.00527 d−1). Significant amounts of litter carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus were released at all three water levels. Litter input significantly increased the soil microbial biomass and fungal density but had nonsignificant impacts on soil bacteria, actinomycetes, and the fungal∕bacterial concentrations at all three water levels. Compared with litter removal, litter addition increased the SOC by 16.93 %, 9.44 %, and 2.51 % at the +25, 0, and −25 cm water levels, respectively. Hence, higher water levels facilitate the release of organic carbon from leaf litter into the soil via water leaching. In this way, they increase the soil carbon pool. At lower water levels, soil carbon is lost due to the slower litter decomposition rate and active microbial (actinomycete) respiration. Our results revealed that the water level in natural wetlands influenced litter decomposition mainly by leaching and microbial activity, by extension, and affected the wetland surface carbon pool.

Decay and nitrogen dynamics of litter from disjunct, congeneric tree species in old-growth stands in northeastern China and Wisconsin

1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 693-699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyuan Geng ◽  
John Pastor ◽  
Bradley Dewey
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Nitrogen Dynamics ◽  
Northeastern China ◽  
Decay Rates ◽  
Congeneric Species ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Litter Bag ◽  
Old Growth Forest ◽  
Litter Decay

Decay and nitrogen dynamics of leaf litter from four tree species in an old-growth forest in northeastern China was measured in a litter-bag experiment and compared with decomposition of congeneric species in a Wisconsin old-growth forest with similar climatic regimes and soil. Leaf litter decay in both China and Wisconsin decreased in the order Acer > Populus > Quercus > Pinus and was negatively correlated with initial lignin content (r = 0.961, P < 0.001). Decay was also correlated with other chemical properties depending on locale. In contrast with decay rates, N-immobilization kinetics were not correlated with litter chemistry or comparable between congeners. Principal component analysis showed that almost half the total variation in litter decay is explained by grouping congeneric species according to litter quality. In northern mixed hardwood–conifer forests, generic similarity implies functional similarity in decomposition and nutrient cycling. Key words: decomposition, China, litter, nitrogen, Wisconsin.

scholarly journals Short life–fast death: decomposition rates of woody plants leaf- and herb-litter

2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Rawlik ◽  
Mirosław Nowiński ◽  
Andrzej M. Jagodziński
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Litter Decomposition ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Functional Group ◽  
Decay Rates ◽  
Decomposition Process ◽  
Herbaceous Plants ◽  
Life Strategy ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Tree Leaf

Abstract • Key message Decomposition of forest herb species litter was not always completed in less than a year and was not always faster than decomposition of tree leaf litter in an oak-hornbeam forest in Western Poland. Litter decomposition of herbaceous plants is connected with their life strategy and functional traits of their leaves. • Context Forest understories are frequently ignored in ecological research on decomposition, although they play an important role in biomass and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. • Aims We hypothesized that the decomposition process of herbaceous species was completed in less than a year, as opposed to tree leaf litter. The second aim of our study was to determine if life strategy affects the rate of litter decomposition. • Methods We performed the decomposition experiment in the oak-hornbeam forest in Czmoń (Western Poland) using the litter bag method to determine decay constants (k) for all species studied. The influence of species identity, functional group, and functional traits of leaves and other effects on the decomposition process was assessed. • Results The decomposition process was significantly dependent on the functional group of plants, time of exposure in the field, species identity, and precipitation. We found a significant correlation between leaf traits and decay rates of the species studied. • Conclusion Litter decomposition of herbaceous plants is connected with their life strategy and functional traits of their leaves in an oak-hornbeam forests.

Leaf and twig abscission relationships in a mature white oak

1979 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 345-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
William R. Chaney
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Leaf Fall ◽  
Litter Fall ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Individual Leaf ◽  
Early Autumn ◽  
Two Phases

Litter fall from a mature white oak (Quercusalba L.) was sampled weekly from August through December for 4 years. Litter was separated into abscised twigs with attached leaves, abscised twigs without leaves, leaves attached to abscised twigs, individually abscised leaves, and acorns. Two phases of leaf fall were evident. The first occurred in early autumn and was characterized by abscission of twigs with leaves still attached. The second phase occurred later in the season and was characterized by shedding of individually abscised leaves. The peak of abscission of twigs with attached leaves preceded the peak of individual leaf fall by 10 to 14 days. Approximately 25% of leaves shed early in autumn were attached to abscised twigs. However, only about 10% of total, annual, leaf litter consisted of leaves lost from the tree while attached to abscised twigs. A significant acorn crop was produced only once during the 4-year study.

A spatially explicit model of leaf litter fall in hemlock–hardwood forests

1996 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 1905-1913 ◽  
Author(s):  
James B. Ferrari ◽  
Shinya Sugita
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Hardwood Forests ◽  
Likelihood Method ◽  
Spatially Explicit ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Leaf Fall ◽  
Litter Fall ◽  
Explicit Model ◽  
Spatially Explicit Model ◽  
Isolated Trees

A spatially explicit model of leaf litter fall was developed for hemlock–hardwood forests using litter-trap data from mapped forest plots and from isolated trees. The model assumes that litter declines exponentially with distance, as shown by the litter traps from isolated trees, and that a variable allometric equation describes the relationship of DBH to foliage biomass. Model parameters were estimated by a maximum likelihood method using field data from one mapped plot and then tested on a second plot. Predicted leaf fall of sugar maple (Acersaccharum Marsh.), yellow birch (Betulaalleghaniensis Britton), basswood (Tiliaamericana L.), and eastern hemlock (Tsugacanadensis (L.) Carrière) was consistent with the leaf fall measured in 20 traps (r = 0.86, 0.77, 0.95, 0.92, respectively). Data from 100 paired litter traps show the similarity of litter fall at sites 2.7 m apart; trap contents in two successive autumns were also comparable. The model results show that hemlock has the narrowest leaf-fall shadow, while basswood has the broadest. The average radius within which 90% of the leaf litter fall to a trap originates is 17.1 m. A litter fall model can be used to predict nutrient inputs to the forest floor based on a stem map, and strengthens links between population and ecosystem ecology.

scholarly journals Leaf Litter Decomposition of Two Central Himalayan Oaks

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 509-516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirtika Padalia ◽  
Rajendra Parihaar ◽  
Nidhi Bhakuni ◽  
Bhawana Kapkoti
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Rate Coefficient ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Oak Forest ◽  
Litter Bags ◽  
Litter Bag ◽  
Quercus Floribunda ◽  
Quercus Leucotrichophora

The study was conducted in two natural oak forest of Nainital (Uttarakhand) India, during 2012-2013 to determine the weight loss pattern in leaf litter of two Central Himalayan Oaks (i.e., Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus. and Quercus floribunda Lindl.) with the help of litter bag technique. The present study concluded that weight loss proceeded throughout the study period and relatively higher within 60 days after the placement of litter bags into the soil. Among these two species, higher weight loss observed in Q. floribunda as compared to Q. leucotrichophora across both the sites. Within 365 days, average weight loss observed about 60% in Q. leucotrichophora and 62% in Q. floribunda. Decay rate coefficient rate ranged from 0.0596- 0.0014 for Q. leucotrichophora while it varies from 0.0558 to 0.0013 for Q. floribunda. The monthly relative decomposition rate (RDR) ranged between 0.0598-0.0014 g/g/day and 0.0208-0.0050 g/g/day for Q. leucotrichophora and Q. floribunda, respectively. Climatic factors (rainfall, temperature and relative humidity) also influenced the rate of decomposition.

Mass and nutrient dynamics of decaying litter from Passiflora mollissima and selected native species in a Hawaiian montane rain forest

1997 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 407-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul G. Scowcroft
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Decay Rates ◽  
Metrosideros Polymorpha ◽  
Acacia Koa ◽  
Montane Rain Forest ◽  
Decomposition Dynamics ◽  
Woody Litter

ABSTRACTThe structure and functioning of Acacia koa-Metrosideros polymorpha forests between 1200 and 1800 m elevation on the island of Hawaii are being threatened by Passiflora mollissima, an aggressive introduced liana from South America. This study was done to evaluate the short-term decomposition dynamics of Passiflora and selected native leaf and twig litter. The nutrient-rich, non-sclerophyllous Passiflora leaves completely disappeared in less than 5 mo. The estimated time for native leaf litter to lose 95% of initial dry weight ranged from 1.65 y for N-rich Acacia phyllodes to 6.67 y for Cibotium glaucum; for woody litter, the time ranged from 4.5 y for Acacia twigs to 23 y for Acacia bark. Except for Cibotium frond litter, decay rates were significantly correlated with initial lignin-ash ratios. Passiflora litter did not accelerate decomposition of Acacia and Metrosideros leaf litter. Passiflora, Acacia, and Metrosideros leaf litter showed net mineralization of N, P, Ca, K, and Mg during the study. Cibotium frond litter showed significant accumulation of N, Ca, and Mg; P levels stayed constant and K was rapidly lost. In general, twigs experienced a net loss of most nutrients, while bark experienced either no change or a significant net gain of nutrients. Nutrient cycling has increased in P. mollissima infested forests.

Litter Fall and Decompostion in a Mangrove Stand, Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh., in Middle Harbour, Sydney

1979 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 541 ◽  
Author(s):  
PFE Goulter ◽  
WG Allaway
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Avicennia Marina ◽  
Half Time ◽  
Litter Layer ◽  
Litter Fall ◽  
Estuarine Ecosystem ◽  
Litter Bag ◽  
Leaf Material ◽  
Litter Bag Experiment

Leaf and other litter falling in a mangrove woodland was estimated by litter trapping for 13 months. Mean annual litter fall was 5.8 t ha-1 year-1 (dry matter) of which 79% was leaf material. Largest fortnightly collections of litter were found in the summer months, and little litter fell in winter. Data suggested that mangrove litter is rapidly incorporated into the rest of the estuarine ecosystem: the leaf litter layer in the swamp was estimated on two occasions (about 9 g m-2 in winter and about 62 g m-2 in summer, dry leaf material) and a litter-bag experiment gave a leaf decomposition half- time of about 8 weeks.

scholarly journals ALLELOPATHIC EFFECTS OF ROSE WOOD, GUAVA, EUCALYPTUS, SACRED FIG AND JAMAN LEAF LITTER ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF WHEAT ( Triticum aestivum L.) IN A WHEAT-BASED AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. IQBAL ◽  
H.A. RAUF ◽  
A.N. SHAH ◽  
B. SHAHZAD ◽  
M.A Bukhari
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Eucalyptus Camaldulensis ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Triticum Aestivum L ◽  
Agroforestry System ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Syzygium Cumini ◽  
Allelopathic Effects

ABSTRACT Selection of tree species under agroforestry systems is crucial to sustain the productivity of a crop. In present study, allelopathic effects of the leaf litters of 5 trees named Rose wood (Dalbergia sissoo), Guava (Pisidium guajava), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), Sacred fig (Ficus religiosa) and Jaman (Syzygium cumini) species on wheat growth and yield was examined. Leaf litter of each tress species was mixed in soil with two doses @ 100 and 200 g of leaves of each species per pot. Higher shoot length, shoot dry weight, number of spikelets per spike and biological yield were recorded in 200 g sun dried Jaman (Syzygium cumini) leaves. Total number of tillers per plant and number of ears per plant were higher under the application of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves (200 g sun dried) as compared to other treatments. Spike length, grain yield per pot, number of grains per pot and harvest index were maximum in 200 g sun-dried Sacred fig (Ficu sreligiosa) leaves. Majority of the parameters were promoted at lower doses of leaves per pot, however, at higher doses they started inhibiting the growth and grain yield of wheat.

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