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Temperature Response of Soil Organic Matter Decomposition Rates: Construction and Applications of a Temperature Gradient Block
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Microbial decomposition of leaf material at 0°C.

T Y Tarn1, C I Mayfield, W E Inniss

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, N2L 3G1, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Microbial Ecology
|November 14, 2013
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Summary

Microbial decomposition of leaves at 0°C showed significant carbohydrate and protein loss, comparable to 20°C rates. Leaf type minimally impacted decomposition, with fresh leaves degrading slightly faster than autumn-shed leaves.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Biogeochemistry

Background:

  • Leaf litter decomposition is crucial for nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems.
  • Understanding microbial activity at low temperatures is vital for predicting ecosystem function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate microbial decomposition rates of fresh and autumn-shed leaves at 0°C.
  • To quantify microbial populations colonizing decomposing leaves at different temperatures.
  • To assess the roles of bacteria and fungi in leaf degradation at low temperatures.

Main Methods:

  • Incubation of fresh and autumn-shed leaves in stream sediment-water at 0°C and 20°C.
  • Measurement of carbohydrate and protein loss from leaf material.
  • Development and application of epifluorescence microscopy for microbial enumeration.
  • Use of selective antibiotics to differentiate bacterial and fungal contributions.

Main Results:

  • Maximum rates of leaf carbohydrate and protein loss at 0°C were substantial, approximately 40% of those at 20°C.
  • Decomposition rates were only slightly influenced by leaf type (1.3-fold higher for fresh leaves).
  • Microbial densities at 0°C were lower than at 20°C, with specific values provided for fresh and autumn-shed leaves after 35 days.

Conclusions:

  • Microbial decomposition of leaf litter occurs effectively even at 0°C.
  • Both bacteria and fungi contribute to leaf degradation in stream ecosystems.
  • Temperature significantly influences microbial population size and decomposition rates, but substantial activity persists at low temperatures.