Effects of elevated co2 and herbivore damage on litter quality in a scrub oak ecosystem

Atmospheric CO(2) concentrations have increased dramatically over the last century and continuing increases are expected to have significant, though currently unpredictable, effects on ecosystems. One important process that may be affected by elevated CO(2) is leaf litter decomposition. We investigated the interactions among atmospheric CO(2), herbivory, and litter quality within a scrub oak community at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Leaf litter chemistry in 16 plots of open-top chambers was followed for 3 years; eight were exposed to ambient levels of CO(2), and eight were exposed to elevated levels of CO(2) (ambient + 350 ppmV). We focused on three dominant oak species, Quercus geminata, Quercus myrtifolia, and Quercus chapmanii. Condensed tannin concentrations in oak leaf litter were higher under elevated CO(2). Litter chemistry differed among all plant species except for condensed tannins. Phenolic concentrations were lower, whereas lignin concentrations and lignin/nitrogen ratios were higher in herbivore-damaged litter independent of CO(2) concentration. However, changes in litter chemistry from year to year were far larger than effects of CO(2) or insect damage, suggesting that these may have only minor effects on litter decomposition.