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Published on: March 12, 2013
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Temperature affects leaf litter decomposition in low-order forest streams: field and microcosm approaches
Aingeru Martínez1, Aitor Larrañaga, Javier Pérez
1Laboratory of Stream Ecology, Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain.
FEMS Microbiology Ecology
|October 12, 2013
Summary
Global warming impacts headwater streams. Rising temperatures increase leaf decomposition rates and alter aquatic hyphomycete fungal communities, especially those adapted to cold environments.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Headwater stream functioning is poorly understood concerning global warming.
- Temperature effects on microbial-mediated leaf decomposition and aquatic hyphomycete assemblages require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of temperature on leaf decomposition and aquatic hyphomycete communities in headwater streams.
- To determine how varying winter water temperatures influence microbial decomposition processes.
Main Methods:
- Alder leaves were incubated in three streams with different winter water temperatures.
- Leaf discs were incubated in a laboratory at controlled temperatures (5, 10, 15 °C).
- Measurements included mass loss, leaf nitrogen content, fungal sporulation rate, and fungal community diversity.
Main Results:
- Leaf decomposition rate and leaf nitrogen content correlated positively with temperature in both field and lab conditions.
- Sporulation rate showed a positive correlation with temperature early in incubation, but a negative correlation later.
- Fungal richness and diversity were negatively impacted by temperature rise in fungi from colder environments.
Conclusions:
- Temperature is a critical factor influencing leaf processing and aquatic hyphomycete assemblages in headwater streams.
- Fungal communities adapted to cold environments are particularly vulnerable to temperature increases.
- Global warming may significantly alter headwater stream ecosystem functioning.
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