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Dieback and Replacement of Riparian Trees May Impact Stream Ecosystem Functioning.

Alberto Alonso1, Luz Boyero2,3, Alejandro Solla4

  • 1Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain. alberto.alonso@ehu.eus.

Microbial Ecology
|January 16, 2024
PubMed
Summary

Alder dieback from disease and replacement by invasive black locust significantly alters stream decomposition and fungal communities. Maintaining healthy alder forests is crucial for stream ecosystem function.

Keywords:
AlderAlnus lusitanicaBlack locustLeaf litter decompositionPhytophthora ×alniRobinia pseudoacacia

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Forest Science
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Alders (Alnus spp.) are vital nitrogen-fixing riparian trees enhancing stream decomposition via nutrient-rich litter.
  • Phytophthora ×alni infection causes alder dieback, creating opportunities for invasive black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) establishment.
  • Vegetation shifts from healthy alder to infected alder or black locust dominance can disrupt stream ecosystem processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how alder dieback and replacement by black locust affect leaf litter decomposition and associated microbial decomposer communities in streams.
  • To compare the impacts of healthy alder, P. ×alni-infected alder, and black locust on fungal decomposition dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • A six-week microcosm experiment was conducted using three leaf litter mixtures: healthy alder-poplar-ash, infected alder-poplar-ash, and black locust-poplar-ash.
  • Leaf litter decomposition rates, fungal biomass, fungal reproduction (sporulation), and fungal assemblage structure were measured bi-weekly.
  • Nutrient concentrations of the leaf litter were analyzed to correlate with decomposition rates.

Main Results:

  • Leaf litter decomposition was highest in mixtures with infected alder and lowest in those with black locust, linked to litter nutrient content.
  • Fungal assemblages and sporulation rates were significantly different between alder-based and black locust-based litter mixtures.
  • Changes in decomposition and fungal communities were evident even during the alder infection stage.

Conclusions:

  • Alder loss and replacement by black locust significantly alter stream ecosystem processes, including decomposition and microbial community structure.
  • The shift impacts fungal decomposer assemblages and their functional roles in nutrient cycling.
  • Conservation of healthy riparian alder forests is essential for maintaining stream ecosystem health and function.