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Linking Predation Risk, Herbivore Physiological Stress and Microbial Decomposition of Plant Litter
Published on: March 12, 2013
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Forest composition modifies litter dynamics and decomposition in regenerating tropical dry forest
Erik M Schilling1, Bonnie G Waring1, Jonathan S Schilling2,3
1Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 140 Gortner Lab, 1479 Gortner Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA.
Oecologia
|May 30, 2016
Summary
Forest age and soil fertility significantly control leaf litter decomposition in tropical dry forests. These factors influence microbial communities and litter quality, impacting decomposition rates, especially during drought.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Forest Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Leaf litter decomposition is a critical ecosystem process influenced by forest characteristics.
- Tropical dry forests exhibit unique successional dynamics impacting nutrient cycling.
- Understanding decomposition drivers is vital for forest management and climate change adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interactive effects of forest composition, litter quality, and rainfall on leaf litter decomposition.
- To assess the influence of forest age, soil characteristics, and fungal communities on decomposition rates.
- To determine how drought conditions affect decomposition dynamics in successional tropical dry forests.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring litter stocks and bulk litter turnover in 18 plots across three successional tropical dry forests.
- Decomposing three standard litter substrates over a 6-month period, including an intense drought.
- Analyzing correlations between decomposition rates, tree and soil fungal communities, soil fertility, and forest age.
Main Results:
- Decomposition rates varied based on litter identity and forest type, influenced by ectomycorrhizal vs. arbuscular mycorrhizal associations.
- Low fertility soils with ectomycorrhizal trees showed low decomposition regardless of moisture; high fertility soils with arbuscular mycorrhizal trees were moisture-dependent.
- Decomposition and termite-mediated wood decay increased with forest age, highlighting the role of soil and forest age.
Conclusions:
- Soil characteristics and forest age are primary regulators of decomposition dynamics in tropical dry forests.
- These factors exert control directly (microclimate, nutrients) and indirectly (community composition, litter quality).
- Forest successional stage critically modulates ecosystem responses to environmental variability, including drought.
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