scholarly journals Decomposition of Herbivore-Damaged Leaves of Understory Species Growing in Oak and Pine Stands

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Łukowski ◽  
Marian J. Giertych ◽  
Michał Żmuda ◽  
Ewa Mąderek ◽  
Dawid Adamczyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Forest Litter ◽  
Leaf Damage ◽  
Defensive Compounds ◽  
Resistant Species ◽  
Litter Decay ◽  
Pine Stands ◽  
Litter Nitrogen

Leaves are the largest component of forest litter. Their decomposition rate depends mainly on plant species, leaf chemical composition, microorganism biodiversity, and habitat conditions. It is known that herbivory by insects can modify the chemical composition of leaves, such as through induction. The aim of this study was to determine whether the rate of leaf decomposition is related to the susceptibility of the plant species to insect feeding and how leaf damage affects this rate. For our research, we chose six species differing in leaf resistance to insect damage: Cornus sanguinea, Frangula alnus, and Sambucus nigra (herbivore resistant), and Corylus avellana, P. padus, and Prunus serotina (herbivore susceptible). The decomposition of these plant leaves was examined in two monoculture forest stands, deciduous (Quercus robur) and coniferous (Pinus sylvestris). Litter decay rate k and change of litter mass, content of defensive metabolites (total phenols (TPh) and condensed tannins), and substances beneficial for organisms decomposing litter (nitrogen (N) and nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC)) were determined. Contrary to our expectations, leaf litter of herbivore-resistant species decomposed faster than that of herbivore-susceptible species, and damaged leaves decayed faster than undamaged leaves. We found that faster decaying leaf litter had a lower content of defensive compounds and a higher content of TNC and N, regardless of the plant species or leaf damage. Leaf litter decomposition caused a large and rapid decrease in the content of defensive compounds and TNC, and an increase in N. In all species, the tannin content was lower in damaged than in undamaged leaves. This pattern was also observed for TPh, except in S. nigra. We interpret this as the main reason for faster decay of damaged leaves. Moreover, the loss of leaf mass was greater under oak than pine stands, indicating that the microorganisms in deciduous stands are more effective at decomposing litter, regardless of leaf damage.

scholarly journals The interrelations of herbage productivity with mouse-like rodents and forest litter in linden and ash flood oak grove of Prysamar'ya

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 ◽  
pp. 62-66
Author(s):  
A. O. Dubina ◽  
O. A. Reva ◽  
M. V. Shulman
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Initial Period ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Forest Litter ◽  
Herbaceous Plants ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Vegetation Season ◽  
Growing Period

The relationships between the productivity of herbage as one of the structural elements of forest biogeocenosis with the nature of the formation and chemical composition of the forest litter and the activity of mouse-like rodents in linden and ash flood oak grove of Prysamar’ya were investigated. It was found that leaf-litter affects to the species composition and the degree of development of grass of investigated biogeocenose. It was revealed that the trophic removal of herbage phytomass by mouse-like rodents in the initial period of vegetation promotes its products. As a result, the above-ground herbage on rodent habitats increases by 1.2 times. The alienation of above-ground herbal phitomass in natural conditions under the influence of mouse-like rodents in the middle of the vegetation season increases in areas devoid of rodents’ influence by 1.05 times. It was found that in the final vegetation season, the above-ground herbage at the rodents’ exposure sites decreases by 1.3 times. It was investigated that the above-ground herbage for the whole vegetation season in the natural conditions of the flood oak grove was 115.4 g/m2, and in experimental areas, devoid of rodents’ exposure was 124.0 g/m2. Thus in the study biogeocenosis the value of herbage productivity was under the influence of mouse-like rodents and it reduced to 1.07 times during the whole growing period. In turn, the grass contributes to the increase in stocks of leaf-litter, ash elements including trace elements in forest litter. The quantitative proportion of herbaceous plants in leaf-litter and the chemical composition of grass in two synusias (wild chervil and starwort) were studied. It was revealed that the air-dry weight of the above-ground parts of herbage in synusia of wild chervil was higher than in synusia of starwort. It was determined that the accumulation degree of individual trace elements varies in different species of herbaceous plants. The maximum content of Mn, Pb and Cu more at wild chervil and Ti, Mo, V, Ni and Cr maximum contents were marked at starwort.

scholarly journals Temporal Variations in Chemical Composition, In Vitro Digestibility, and Metabolizable Energy of Plant Species Browsed by Goats in Southern Mediterranean Forest Rangeland

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1441
Author(s):  
Youssef Chebli ◽  
Samira El Otmani ◽  
Mouad Chentouf ◽  
Jean-Luc Hornick ◽  
Jean-François Cabaraux
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Condensed Tannin ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Mediterranean Forest ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility ◽  
Large Variability ◽  
Southern Mediterranean

Forest rangelands contribute largely to goat diets in the Mediterranean area. Information about browsed plant quality is essential for adequate feeding management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the temporal changes in chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of the main plant species selected by goats in the Southern Mediterranean forest rangeland during two consecutive years; these were very contrasted (dry and wet). The browsed species were composed of herbaceous, eleven shrubs, and four tree species. Overall, large variability in chemical composition, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and metabolizable energy (ME) was observed among species, grazing season (spring, summer, and autumn), and years within each species. Crude protein (CP) content varied from 60 to 240 g/kg dry matter (DM). The fiber fractions, except for Quercus suber, increased significantly by advancing maturity. Due to the water stress, the lignin level presented a higher value during the spring of the dry year. Condensed tannin (CT) content varied from 2 to 184 g/kg DM. CP, IVOMD, and ME showed a negative correlation with lignin and CT. Based on the results presented herein, it is concluded that the nutritive value of the browsed plant species was highest in the spring and lowest during the summer and autumn of both studied years. With a good grazing management strategy, the selected plant species by goats could guarantee high-quality feeding resources throughout the year.

scholarly journals Assessment of Leaf Litter Decomposition in a Pine and Beech Mixed Forest: Case Study in Northern Spain

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
David Candel-Pérez ◽  
J. Bosco Imbert ◽  
Maitane Unzu ◽  
Juan A. Blanco
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Forest Management ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Litter Decomposition ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Decomposition Process ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Natural State ◽  
Nutrient Cycles ◽  
Decomposition Rates

The promotion of mixed forests represents an adaptation strategy in forest management to cope with climate change. The mixing of tree species with complementary ecological traits may modify forest functioning regarding productivity, stability, or resilience against disturbances. Litter decomposition is an important process for global carbon and nutrient cycles in terrestrial ecosystems, also affecting the functionality and sustainability of forests. Decomposition of mixed-leaf litters has become an active research area because it mimics the natural state of leaf litters in most forests. Thus, it is important to understand the factors controlling decomposition rates and nutrient cycles in mixed stands. In this study, we conducted a litter decomposition experiment in a Scots pine and European beech mixed forest in the province of Navarre (north of Spain). The effects of forest management (i.e., different thinning intensities), leaf litter types, and tree canopy on mass loss and chemical composition in such decomposing litter were analysed over a period of three years. Higher decomposition rates were observed in leaf litter mixtures, suggesting the existence of positive synergies between both pine and beech litter types. Moreover, a decomposition process was favoured under mixed-tree canopy patches. Regarding thinning treatments significant differences on decomposition rates disappeared at the end of the study period. Time influenced the nutrient concentration after the leaf litter incubation, with significant differences in the chemical composition between the different types of leaf litter. Higher Ca and Mg concentrations were found in beech litter types than in pine ones. An increase in certain nutrients throughout the decomposition process was observed due to immobilization by microorganisms (e.g., Mg in all leaf litter types, K only in beech leaves, P in thinned plots and under mixed canopy). Evaluating the overall response in mixed-leaf litters and the contribution of single species is necessary for understanding the litter decomposition and nutrient processes in mixed-forest ecosystems.

Chemical composition and bioethanol potential of different plant species found in Pacific Northwest conservation buffers

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 063114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepak Kumar ◽  
Ankita Juneja ◽  
William Hohenschuh ◽  
John D. Williams ◽  
Ganti S. Murthy
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Pacific Northwest ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Conservation Buffers

Increased atmospheric CO2 and litter quality

1998 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Francesca Cotrufo ◽  
Björn Berg ◽  
Werner Kratz
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Decomposition Rate ◽  
Litter Quality ◽  
Castanea Sativa ◽  
Plant Litter ◽  
Decomposition Rates ◽  
Chemical Changes ◽  
Substrate Quality ◽  
N Concentration

There is evidence that N concentration in hardwood leaf litter is reduced when plants are raised in an elevated CO2 atmosphere. Reductions in the N concentration of leaf litter have been found for tree species raised under elevated CO2, with reduction in N concentration ranging from ca. 50% for sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) to 19% for sycamore (Acer platanoides). However, the effects of elevated CO2 on the chemical composition of litter has been investigated only for a limited number of species. There is also little information on the effects of increased CO2 on the quality of root tissues. If we consider, for example, two important European forest ecosystem types, the dominant species investigated for chemical changes are just a few. Thus, there are whole terrestrial ecosystems in which not a single species has been investigated, meaning that the observed effects of a raised CO2 level on plant litter actually has a large error source. Few reports present data on the effects of elevated CO2 on litter nutrients other than N, which limits our ability to predict the effects of elevated CO2 on litter quality and thus on its decomposability. In litter decomposition three separate steps are seen: (i) the initial stages, (ii) the later stages, and (iii) the final stages. The concept of "substrate quality," translated into chemical composition, will thus change between early stages of decomposition and later ones, with a balanced proportion of nutrients (e.g., N, P, S) being required in the early decomposition phase. In the later stages decomposition rates are ruled by lignin degradation and that process is regulated by the availability of certain nutrients (e.g., N, Mn), which act as signals to the lignin-degrading soil microflora. In the final stages the decomposition comes to a stop or may reach an extremely low decomposition rate, so low that asymptotic decomposition values may be estimated and negatively related to N concentrations. Studies on the effects of changes in chemical composition on the decomposability of litter have mainly been made during the early decomposition stages and they generally report decreased litter quality (e.g., increased C/N ratio), resulting in lower decomposition rates for litter raised under elevated CO2 as compared with control litter. No reports are found relating chemical changes induced by elevated CO2 to litter mass-loss rates in late stages. By most definitions, at these stages litter has turned into humus, and many studies demonstrated that a raising of the N level may suppress humus decomposition rate. It is thus reasonable to speculate that a decrease in N levels in humus would accelerate decomposition and allow it to proceed further. There are no experimental data on the long-term effect of elevated CO2 levels, and a decrease in the storage of humus and nutrients could be predicted, at least in temperate and boreal forest systems. Future works on the effects of elevated CO2 on litter quality need to include studies of a larger number of nutrients and chemical components, and to cover different stages of decomposition. Additionally, the response of plant litter quality to elevated CO2 needs to be investigated under field conditions and at the community level, where possible shifts in community composition (i.e., C3 versus C4 ; N2 fixers versus nonfixers) predicted under elevated CO2 are taken into account.Key words: climate change, substrate quality, carbon dioxide, plant litter, chemical composition, decomposition.

scholarly journals Litter-Fall Production, Decomposition and Elemental (Ca, K, Mn, Fe, Zn and Co) Cycling in Deciduous Sal (Shorea Robusta) Forest in Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Razia Sultana ◽  
ASM Saifullah ◽  
Rahat Khan Khan ◽  
Mir Talas Mahammad Diganta
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Tectona Grandis ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
Litter Production ◽  
Shorea Robusta ◽  
Terminalia Bellirica

Abstract The litters in the forest floor are the principal contributor for regulating the cycling of necessary elements, primary productivity and maintain soil fertility within the forest ecosystems. Therefore, this study was conducted in a deciduous forest of Bangladesh to ascertain the leaf-litter production and decomposition along with elemental dynamics (K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co and Zn). Leaf-litter samples from five deciduous plant species and soil samples were collected from the Madhupur Sal Forest for about six months (July-December) in 2018. Production of leaf-litter during the dry season (December) was found in an order of Shorea robusta>Dipterocarpus indicus>Terminalia bellirica>Tectona grandis>Grewia microcos. The decomposition rates were higher for the long sampling period (90 days) followed by the intermediate (60 days)> short(30 days) sampling period. The nutrient release pattern from the leaf-litter was similar (Ca>K>Mn>Fe>Zn>Co) for all plant species except for Terminalia bellirica and Tectona grandis. The Pearson correlation coefficients showed a significant relationship between K and Fe (r=0.54; p<0.05), Ca and Co (r=0.59; p<0.01), Fe and Co (r=0.97; p<0.05) in leaf-litters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant variation in the litter production, decomposition and nutrient content (except Zn; p>0.05) among the different plant species (p<0.05). There revealed a significant dynamic of necessary elements from soil to trees and vice-versa.

scholarly journals The influence of forest-forming tree species on diversity and spatial distribution of algae in forest litter

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yevhen Maltsev ◽  
Irina Maltseva
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Green Algae ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Spatial Organization ◽  
Forest Litter ◽  
Equal Distribution ◽  
Blue Green Algae ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The forest litter plays a significant role in forest ecosystems. The composition of the litter biota comprises micro- and mesofauna, and a great diversity of microorganisms, including unrecognized algae (eukaryotic representatives and Cyanoprokaryota). The aim of this work was to study the diversity of algae in the different types of forest litters and to clarify the relationship between the algae composition and the forest-forming tree species. Our results show that the pine forest litter is the most appropriate habitat for the development of green and yellow-green algae and that this litter type limits the variety of blue-green ones. The admixture of deciduous leaf litter to pine litter caused an increase in the species richness of blue-green algae and diatoms. The algae were unevenly distributed across the sub-horizons of pine litter. The highest species richness of algae was identified in the enzymatic sub-horizon of litter. The peculiarity of the composition of leaf litter algae was a significant variety of green, yellow-green and blue-green algae. The spatial organization of algae communities in the leaf litter was characterized by equal distribution of algae species in the litter-subhorizons.

scholarly journals Desert leaf litter decay: Coupling of microbial respiration, water-soluble fractions and photodegradation

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 5454-5470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas A. Day ◽  
Michael S. Bliss ◽  
Alexander R. Tomes ◽  
Christopher T. Ruhland ◽  
René Guénon
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Microbial Respiration ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Litter Decay ◽  
Soluble Fractions
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