What determines forest litter decomposition ? Global trends and local variance

Macroecological processes

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)



Description :
It is now commonly accepted that the prime factor determining the litter decomposition rate on a global scale, is actual evapotranspiration (AET). However, this main effect can be seriously modified by the chemical composition of organic matter itself, resulting in large variance at local scales. Among leaf litter components, the lignin concentration, content of water-soluble compounds, concentration of nitrogen and some other nutrients have been indicated by different AA. as the major determinants of litter decomposition rate. There is a failure of existing models to predict properly litter decay rate in many cases. These include especially ecosystems from outside the temperate climate, such as boreal and wet tropical forests. The existing models still cannot explain the large differences in litter decomposition rates between species. This paper presents several reasons for the problem of finding satisfactory litter decomposition models.


Type de document :
Article de monographie

Source :
Geographia polonica, issn : 0016-7282, 2012, vol. 85, n°. 2, p. 39-46, nombre de pages : 8, Références bibliographiques : 19 ref.

Date :
2012

Editeur :
Pays édition : Pologne, Warszawa, Państwowe Wydawnictwo Naukowe