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Changes in Substrate Composition and Rate‐Regulating Factors during Decomposition

Authors :
Björn Berg
Ryszard Laskowski
Publication Year :
2005
Publisher :
Elsevier, 2005.

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter treats selected heavy metals as nutrients in unpolluted systems and discusses their dynamics in that context. It describes detailed chemical changes for Scots pine needle litter as a case study and presents data from other boreal and temperate species. The patterns discussed have been found mainly in boreal systems but probably have higher generality and even such different systems as decomposing chaparral shrubs show similar decomposition patterns as litter from boreal tree species. A possible explanation to that differing decomposition pattern is that spruce trees produce more heterogeneous foliar litter which, in addition, is in a late decomposition stage already when shed, as a consequence of an advanced decomposition of the needles while still attached dead to the twigs. Most litter species leach carbon compounds to differing extents. Such leaching may start in the early phase and continue throughout the following decomposition stages. Recent findings have indicated that raised N concentrations in foliar litter may support the leaching process of carbon compounds. The chapter intends to demonstrate and systemize decomposition patterns as well as the effects of several chemical components and the chemically changing litter substrate on decomposition rates.

Details

Database :
OpenAIRE
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........c48ddd1681303fc74080272c56ba0608
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0065-2504(05)38004-4