Global change, soil biodiversity, and nitrogen cycling in. Interactions between aboveground and belowground biodiversity. Though it is well established that litter decomposition varies among species, most leaf litter decomposes not alone, but in mixture with litter from heterospecifics. Litter decomposition is a fundamental process within ecosystem. Functional diversity of leaf litter mixtures slows. Commonly, plant litters occur in mixtures where the species differ in quality traits such as. Detailed protocols for direct use in the field or laboratory are presented in an easy to follow stepbystep format. Functional implications of biodiversity in leaf litter decomposition. Species turnover and invasion of dominant freshwater. Freshwater ecosystems rely on allochthonous resources. Our results suggested that across the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, litter c and n loss was generally controlled by a common hierarchy of drivers.
Effects of global changes on above and belowground. The main objective of this book is to provide students and laboratory instructors at universities and professional ecologists with a broad range of established methods to study plant litter decomposition. In terrestrial ecosystems, the above and belowground plantlitter input consti tutes the main resource of energy and matter for an extraordinarily diverse com munity of soil organisms connected. In litter mixtures, the decomposition of one litter type may be influenced by the presence of other litter types, as reported in recent work on decomposition dynamics within multispecies litter mixtures in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. We assess the evidence for correlation between aboveground and belowground diversity and conclude that a variety of mechanisms could lead to positive, negative, or no relationshipdepending on the strength and type of interactions among species. Over 100 gigatons of terrestrial plant biomass are produced globally each year. Litter fall in terrestrial ecosystems signifies a crucial pathway for nutrient return to the soil. Backgroundquestionmethods the projected increase in biodiversity loss worldwide has prompted the need to understand the role of diversity in ecosystem functioning. A global analysis of terrestrial plant litter dynamics in. Ecology copyright 2019 climate change effects on plant. The rate of decomposition is governed by three sets of factorsthe physical environment temperature, moisture, and soil properties, the quantity and quality of the dead material available to decomposers, and the nature of the microbial community itself. Regulation of litter decomposition in forest ecosystems of sweden and new zealand abstract litter decomposition is a core ecosystem process critical for carbon and nutrient cycling, and the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Heterotrophic metabolism, facilitated through comminution by small insects and leaching during precipitation events, results in the.
Giardina abstract litterfall in terrestrial ecosystems represents the primary pathway for nutrient return to soil. Here, we hypothesize that positive litter mixture effects occur via complementary resource use, when litter species complement each other in terms of resource quality for detritivores. Terrestrial and marine ecosystems supply the foundation for human wellbeing and livelihood through the food, water, timber, and other goods and services they provide advances over past decades have also revealed the importance of less visible but equally important services that ecosystems provide for society, such as water filtration, carbon storage, maintenance of biodiversity, protection. Responses of litter decomposition and nutrient release to. Dual role of lignin in plant litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems amy t. Plantsoil feedbacks psfs are interactions among plants, soil organisms, and abiotic soil conditions that influence plant performance, plant species diversity, and community structure, ultimately driving ecosystem processes. Responses of litter decomposition and nutrient release to n. We examined the relative importance of leaf litter identity acacia melanoxylon, pittosporum undulatum, morella faya and environmental conditions on litter decomposition in seven lakes in the. Regulation of litter decomposition in forest ecosystems of. Specifically, the decomposition of plant litter and. Biodiversity and litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems. Decomposition of senesced plant material is an important ecosystem process. Biodiversity abstract little is known about the effect of decomposer diversity on litter decomposition in alpine areas. Pdf biodiversity and litter decomposition in terrestrial.
Invertebrate exclusion also influenced litter decomposition, although this effect varied between species. We identify the basic types of interaction between vascular plants and soil biota. The importance of litter traits and decomposers for litter. Abstract litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems has a major role in the biogeochemical cycling of elements in the environment. Interactions between above and belowground biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems.
Here we synthesize ideas and experimental evidence on how leaf litter decomposition in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is shaped by the diversity of resources i. Little is known about what drives leaf litter decomposition in oceanic islands. Abstract we explore empirical and theoretical evidence for the functional significance of plantlitter diversity and the extraordinary high diversity of decomposer organisms in the process of litter decomposition and the consequences for biogeochemical cycles. Mark dangerfield is a professor at the centre for biodiversity and bioresources, school of biological sciences, macquarie university, sydney, new south wales 2109, australia. The decomposition of plant litter is an example of such a key function with important implications for nutrient cycling within ecosystems. Climate, leaf litter chemistry and leaf litter decomposition. Biotic decomposition in mesic ecosystems is generally negatively correlated with the concentration of lignin, a group of complex aromatic polymers present in plant cell. Potential mechanisms for the frequently observed litterdiversity effects on mass loss and nitrogen dynamics include fungidriven nutrient transfer among litter species, inhibition or stimulation of microorganisms by specific litter. In terrestrial ecosystems, the above and belowground plantlitter input consti. Climate change will affect terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystems through both gradual and sudden changes in. Further, approximately 40% of terrestrial c is stored in tropical forests, sequestering large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere beer et al.
Millipedes diplopoda are a highly diverse group of soil invertebrates and play vital roles in terrestrial ecosystems. Additionally, speciesspecific effects on ecosystem processes and. Jan 28, 2016 the role of microbial diversity in ecosystems is less well understood than, for example, that of plant diversity. Climate change alters plantderived inputs to soil in the form of litter production and rhizodeposition, raising questions about the way and intensity with which they are affected 3837.
Litter decomposition plays an important role in carbon c cycling in terrestrial ecosystems aerts 2006. Biodiversity and ecosystem function of decomposition swan. The changes in soil biodiversity and soil community composition also influenced processes related to nutrient cycling. Van veen, effects of global changes on above and belowground biodiversity in terrestrial. The decomposition of leaf litter from a plant is an important ecosystem process that significantly affect soil formation and the liberalisation of energy to higher trophic levels within the forest. Leaf litter decomposition is a major ecosystem process that can link aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems by flows of nutrients. Litter decomposition is a key process in the carbon balance of soils. Litter decomposition is a primary source of soil nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are often limiting to plant growth in terrestrial ecosystems. We explore empirical and theoretical evidence for the functional significance of plant litter diversity and the extraordinary high diversity of decomposer organisms in the process of litter decomposition and the consequences for biogeochemical cycles. Dual role of lignin in plant litter decomposition in. Leaf litter decomposition is a major ecosystem process that can link aquatic to ter. Due to the strong climatic control of litter decomposition, climate change may significantly affect this pathway. The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem processes.
Wall is chair, scope committee on soil and sediment biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Climate, leaf litter chemistry and leaf litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems. The functioning of many aquatic ecosystems is controlled by surrounding terrestrial ecosystems. In conclusion, litter species and decomposer diversity can significantly influence carbon and nutrient turnover rates. Interactions between aboveground and belowground biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems. Pdf biodiversity and ecosystem function of decomposition. Biodiversity and decomposition in experimental grassland. Decomposition of terrestrial resource subsidies in headwater. Climatic features, like temperature, rainfall, humidity, and seasonal variations affect the rate of litter decomposition. Plant litter decomposition is a key process for carbon dynamics and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems.
Millipedes contribute to the cycling of carbon and nutrients through their feeding activities and gut processes that help decompose litter. Functional diversity of terrestrial microbial decomposers. Pdf biodiversity and litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems. Third, we expected that responses of litter decomposition and nutrient release to n addition would differ in different terrestrial ecosystems. In a view of growing interest in linking biodiversity to ecosystem. Biodiversity loss threatens key ecosystem functions. Interspecific variation in leaf litter quality drives nonadditive effects of biodiversity on decomposition via. Consequences of biodiversity loss for litter decomposition. Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning research hypothesizes that the global loss of species leads to impaired decomposition rates and thus to slower recycling of nutrients. Linking plant litter microbial diversity to microhabitat. Biodiversity and ecosystem function of decomposition. Microbial diversity drives multifunctionality in terrestrial. Changes in ecosystem processes that retain nutrients within the system are linked to the ability of soil organisms to break down organic matter and recycle liberated resources back into the aboveground community.
Litter decomposition is an important component of the global carbon budget. Tree species richness affects litter production and. To determine if decomposition, microbial and invertebrate colonization of lateral litter inputs are similar to those of vertical inputs, we assessed leaf decomposition of alder, poplar and a 1. Ecosystem ecology is the integrated study of living and nonliving components of ecosystems and their interactions within an ecosystem framework. To comprehend the potential consequences of biodiversity loss on the leaf litter decomposition process, a better understanding of its underlying mechanisms is necessary. Ninety percent of this biomass escapes herbivory and enters the dead organic matter pool, thus supporting complex detritusbased food webs that determine the critical balance between carbon mineralization and sequestration. Our tools available for investigation are broadening to include new technological. Climate change influences psfs through the performance of. Pdf climate, leaf litter chemistry and leaf litter.
Using biomass originating from the experimental species richness gradient and from a species used as a common substrate, we measured rates of decomposition in litterbags in two locations. In forests, most of the plant litter from aboveground plant production is supplied in the form of leaves, which decompose much faster than the woody litter. Increased decomposer diversity accelerates and potentially. Assessing the temporal dynamics of aquatic and terrestrial. Terrestrial ecosystem an overview sciencedirect topics.
Interspecific variation in leaf litter quality drives nonadditive effects of biodiversity on decomposition via responses by microbial and invertebrate consumers. Consensus statement four diverse communities are more productive because they contain key. Functional diversity of terrestrial microbial decomposers and their. The interaction between litter properties, climatic conditions and soil attributes, influences the activity of microorganisms responsible for litter mineralization. How will changes in biodiversity affect this vital component of ecosystem functioning. Ecological functions of millipedes in the terrestrial. Mar 15, 2012 decomposition of senesced plant material is an important ecosystem process. Potential mechanisms for the frequently observed litter diversity effects on mass loss and nitrogen dynamics include fungidriven nutrient. The turnover of plant species due to climate change can greatly affect litter decomposition.
Is litter decomposition enhanced in species mixtures. Litter decomposition is also a fundamental component of the global carbon cycle. We examined the impact of biodiversity on litter decomposition in an experiment that manipulated plant species richness. In addition, biodiversityecosystem function relationships in natural ecosystems sometimes differ from saturating curves22, and future research needs to assess when and why these differences occur. Relationships based on climatic averages conceal much of the local variability, and the response of this local variability to climate change will determine how climate change is likely to influence global patterns of litter decomposition. We also evaluate whether these concepts permit a better understanding of how biodiversity is linked to litter decomposition as a key ecosystem process influencing carbon and nutrient cycles. Methods to study litter decomposition a practical guide. One noteworthy feature of litter decomposition is the variability of litter decomposition rate k among ecosystems and under different climatic conditions. The decomposition of leaf litter constitutes a major pathway of carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Soil fauna and plant litter decomposition in tropical and subalpine forests. Analysing two independent data sets at a global and regional scale, delgado. Alnus glutinosa, biodiversity ecosystem functioning, fagus sylvatica. Mar 09, 2010 plant litter decomposition is a critical step in the formation of soil organic matter, the mineralization of organic nutrients, and the carbon balance in terrestrial ecosystems. Pdf diversity and forest leaf litter decomposition.
Terrestrial biodiversity can be defined as the variety of life forms on the land surface of the earth. The decomposition of leaf litter of terrestrial origin is a fundamental process in aquatic ecosystems in forest contexts. Loss of tree species translates in the loss of resource diversity from the detrital pool. Heterotrophic metabolism, facilitated through comminution. These studies investigating litter decomposition process along a gradient. Chapter methods for estimating litter decomposition. Integration of these subsidies depends on diversity of both terrestrial resources and aquatic shredder and decomposer communities, but the diversity effects on leaf litter breakdown and decomposition are less clear in aquatic than terrestrial ecosystems. Berg 3, andreas bruder 5,6, olaf butenschoen 7, eric. Leaf tissue can account for more than 70% of above. Effects of global changes on above and belowground biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems. For terrestrial ecosystem ecology, decomposition of above. Terrestrial ecosystems chapter 12 arctic biodiversity. Tanya handa 1,2, rien aerts 3, frank berendse 4, matty p. Especially under the premise that alpine ecosystems are very sensitive to global change and are currently undergoing extensive landuse changes, a better understanding is needed to predict how environmental.
Primary forests are natural forests without apparent and reported human impacts, whereas secondary forests are naturally developed stands with native species don et al. Species and genetic diversity affect leaf litter decomposition in. Methods for estimating litter decomposition noah j. Plant litter diversity influences decomposition in terrestrial gartner and cardon. This science examines how ecosystems work and relates this to their components such as chemicals, bedrock, soil, plants, and animals. High biodiversity is often used as an indicator of ecosystem health and has been shown to have direct links to human health. Here, we examined the effects of consumer community diversity on leaf decomposi. Consequences of biodiversity loss for litter decomposition across biomes i.
Brose, climate change effects on macrofaunal litter decomposition. Biodiversity and litter decomposition in terrestrial. Terrestrial ecosystems represent the most important carbon c sink with their capacity to store almost three times that of the atmosphere trumper et al. Microbial activity accounted for 85% of total leaf mass loss, and no effect of litter mixture was observed when detritivores were excluded. If terrestrial plant, productivity does increase with warming by increasing nutrients available from decomposition, then more litterfall may be expected. Leaf litter quality drives litter mixing effects through. Within the scope of the biodiversity ecosystem functioning relationship, our results therefore highlight the processspecific effects diversity may have. With up to 90% of global terrestrial plant production entering the dead organic matter pool, decomposition and the sequestration of organic carbon in soils and sediments stand out as central components of ecosystem functioning.
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