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Single-throughput Complementary High-resolution Analytical Techniques for Characterizing Complex Natural Organic Matter Mixtures

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Elevated CO2, litter chemistry, and decomposition: a synthesis.

Richard J Norby¹, M Francesca Cotrufo², Philip Ineson³

¹Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Bldg. 1059, PO Box 2008, 37831-6422, Oak Ridge, TN, USA.

|March 1, 2014

Summary

Elevated carbon dioxide ([CO2]) does not significantly alter leaf litter decomposition rates, despite minor changes in litter chemistry. These findings suggest minimal impact on decomposition compared to other [CO2] effects on nutrient cycling.

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Area of Science:

Ecology
Biogeochemistry
Plant Science

Background:

Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide ([CO2]) can alter plant physiology and tissue chemistry.
Changes in leaf litter quality are hypothesized to affect decomposition rates and soil carbon dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

To synthesize and evaluate experimental evidence on the impact of elevated [CO2] on leaf litter chemistry and decomposition.
To determine if altered litter chemistry under elevated [CO2] influences decomposition processes.

Main Methods:

A meta-analysis of published and unpublished experimental data was conducted.
Data from field experiments with naturally senesced leaves under ambient and elevated [CO2] were analyzed.
Litter mass loss and respiration rates were compared between treatments.

Main Results:

Leaf litter from elevated [CO2] showed a significant 7.1% decrease in nitrogen (N) concentration and a 6.5% increase in lignin concentration compared to ambient [CO2].
Despite these chemical changes, no consistent differences in litter mass loss or respiration rates were observed between elevated and ambient [CO2] treatments.
Effects were smallest under natural field conditions, indicating minimal impact on decomposition.

Conclusions:

The hypothesis that altered leaf litter chemistry under elevated [CO2] significantly impacts decomposition is not supported by the data.
Observed changes in litter chemistry have a negligible effect on decomposition rates compared to other [CO2] impacts on carbon and N cycling.
Future experiments should consider natural conditions for more relevant outcomes.