Effects of gamma irradiation on instream leaf litter decomposition

Leaf litter decomposition is a key process in stream ecosystems, the rates of which can vary with changes in litter quality or its colonization by microorganisms. Decomposition in streams is increasingly used to compare ecosystem functioning globally, often requiring the distribution of litter across countries. It is important to understand whether litter sterilization, which is required by some countries, can alter the rates of decomposition and associated processes. We examined whether litter sterilization with gamma irradiation (25 kGy) influenced decomposition rates, litter stoichiometry, and colonization by invertebrates after weeks of instream incubation within coarse-mesh and fine-mesh litterbags. We used nine plant species from three families that varied widely in litter chemistry but found mostly consistent responses, with no differences in decomposition rates or numbers of invertebrates found at the end of the incubation period. However, litter stoichiometry differed between irradiated and control litter, with greater nutrient losses (mostly phosphorus) in the former. Therefore, the effects of irradiation on litter chemistry should be taken into account in studies focused on stoichiometry but not necessarily in those focused on decomposition rates, at least within the experimental timescale considered here.

Effect of duration of altrenogest treatment on farrowing rate and litter size of gilts

The objective of the present study was to compare two common durations of altrenogest (ALT) feeding during different periods of the year on the fertility of gilts after ALT withdrawal. During a 12-month period gilt replacements that were assumed to be cyclic were subjected to oestrus synchronisation with 15 mg/day ALT administered for 18 days (ALT-18; n = 268) or 14 days (ALT-14; n = 153) whereas 275 non-treated gilts served as controls. Fewer ALT-14 than ALT-18 gilts expressed oestrus by 7 days after last ALT treatment (79.1% vs 88.8%; P < 0.05). Farrowing rate was lower (P < 0.05) for ALT-14 than for the other groups (81%, 91% and 92% for ALT-14, ALT-18, and Control, respectively) but farrowing rates were not affected by time of year. Control litter sizes were not different from ALT-14 except during September to November when Control litter sizes were larger than either ALT treatments (13.6 ± 0.33, 12.3 ± 0.65 and 12.7 ± 0.39 for Control, ALT-14 and ALT-18, respectively; P < 0.05). The ALT-18 gilts had larger litter sizes during January to August. The present data suggest that the appropriate duration of ALT feeding to synchronise oestrus in gilts is 18 days.

Saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima) Invasion Alters Decomposer Fauna and Plant Litter Decomposition in a Temperate Xerophytic Deciduous Forest

Plant invasions may alter the soil system by changing litter quality and quantity, thereby affecting soil community and ecosystem processes. We investigated the effect of Tamarix ramosissima invasion on the decomposer fauna and litter decomposition process, as well as the importance of litter quality in decomposition. Litter decomposition and decomposer communities were evaluated in two monospecific saltcedar forests and two native forests in Argentina, in litterbags containing either local litter (saltcedar or dominant native species) or a control litter. Saltcedar invasion produced an increase in Collembola, Acari, and total mesofauna abundance, regardless of the litter type. Control litter decomposition was higher in the native forest than in the saltcedar forest, showing that increased abundance of decomposer fauna does not necessarily accelerate decomposition processes. Local litter decomposition was not different between forests, suggesting that decomposer fauna of both ecosystems is adapted to efficiently decompose the autochthonous litter. Our results suggest that the introduction of a resource with higher quality than the local one has a negative effect on decomposition in both ecosystems, which is more pronounced in the invaded forest than in the native forest. This finding stresses the low plasticity of saltcedar decomposer community to adapt to short-term environmental changes.