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Heterogeneity in leaf litter decomposition in a temporary Mediterranean stream during flow fragmentation
Meritxell Abril1, Isabel Muñoz1, Margarita Menéndez1
1Departament d'Ecologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
The Science of the Total Environment
|March 2, 2016
Summary
Leaf litter decomposes faster in aquatic habitats than terrestrial ones during summer droughts in Mediterranean streams. This decomposition heterogeneity impacts carbon budgets, highlighting the need for further study.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Hydrology
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Temporary streams create diverse aquatic and terrestrial habitats during drought.
- Ecosystem functioning in these heterogeneous environments is not well understood.
- Flow fragmentation significantly alters habitat availability and ecological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate leaf litter decomposition in different microhabitats formed by flow fragmentation.
- To compare decomposition rates, microbial communities, and carbon release across habitats.
- To understand the initial stages of decomposition in temporary stream ecosystems.
Main Methods:
- Populus nigra leaf litter decomposition was assessed in litter bags.
- Decomposition rates, microbial biomass, macroinvertebrate abundance, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) release were measured.
- Experiments were conducted over 11 days in running waters, isolated pools, and moist/dry sediments.
Main Results:
- Leaf litter decomposed faster in aquatic (running waters, pools) than terrestrial (sediments) habitats.
- Aquatic decomposition involved rapid microbial colonization (bacteria in pools, fungi in streams).
- Terrestrial decomposition was dominated by abiotic processes with minimal mass loss; DOC release varied significantly between habitat types.
Conclusions:
- Leaf decomposition is highly heterogeneous across microhabitats during flow fragmentation.
- Leaves serve as different dissolved organic carbon sources depending on habitat conditions.
- Findings have implications for regional carbon budgets and understanding temporary stream ecology.
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