Leaf Litter Decomposition and Nutrient Dynamics in Woodland and Wetland Conditions along a Forest to Wetland Hillslope. (19th July 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qiu, Song; McComb, Arthur J.; Bell, Richard W.
• Other Names: Falloon P. Academic Editor.; Grundmann g. Academic Editor.; Jacques D. Academic Editor.; Lin D. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN soil science. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-07-19
• Subjects: Soil science -- Periodicals; Soils -- Research -- Periodicals; Soil science; Soils -- Research; Soil Sciences; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 631.4
• DOI: 10.5402/2012/346850
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-875X

Abstract

Abstract : Leaf litters of jarrah ( Eucalyptus marginata Donn ex Sm.) and banksia ( Banksia menziesii R. Br.) were decomposed at woodland and wetland conditions for two years to test site influence on the rates of decomposition. Weight loss was rapid in early rains but slowed substantially in the following months, resulting in 2/3 to 1/2 weights remaining after two years of field exposure. Litter weight loss was well described by a two-substrate quality decay model (R 2 = 0.97 − 0.99 ), and the half-lives were 2.6–3.2 weeks (labile fraction) and 6.4–6.9 years (recalcitrant fraction) for jarrah, and 1.0–1.7 weeks (labile) and 6.6–9.9 years (recalcitrant) for banksia. The nutrient mobility wasK ≈ Mg ≈ S > Ca > P, and the losses of K, Mg and S were correlated with the weight loss of litter (R 2 = 0.77 − 0.94, P < 0.03 ). P mass increased by 129% in jarrah litter and 174% in banksia litter in the woodland site, suggesting woodland with tree cover provided a better habitat for microbial biomass than non-inundated wetland, hence a notable P conservation in the decomposing litter.