Effects of flow scarcity on leaf-litter processing under oceanic climate conditions in calcareous streams

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.06.018
• Publication Date: 2014-06-22T08:30:23Z
• Authors: Aingeru Martínez; Javier Pérez; Jon Molinero; Mikel Sagarduy; Jesús Pozo
• Keywords: Detritivore; Perennial stream; Benthos; Decomposer; Plant litter; Litter; Periphyton

Although temporary streams represent a high proportion of the total number and length running waters, historically study intermittent has received less attention than that perennial ones. The goal present was to assess effects flow cessation on litter decomposition in calcareous under oceanic climate conditions. For this, leaf alder incubated four (S1, S2, S3 S4) with different regimes (S3 S4 zero-flow periods) from northern Spain. To distinguish relative importance contribution decomposers detritivores, fine- coarse-mesh bags were used. We determined processing rates, leaf-C, -N -P concentrations, invertebrate colonization coarse benthic invertebrates. Decomposition rates fine similar among streams. In bags, only one streams, S4, showed lower rate other ones as consequence colonization. material presented higher leaf-N concentrations those ones, except pointing out this stream driven mainly by microorganisms. Benthic macroinvertebrate shredder density biomass However, greater amount macroinvertebrates shredders comparing benthos. most suitable explanation is fauna find food substrate affected calcite precipitation, which common streambed at site. positively related associated biomass. Thus, droughts conditions affect detritivore activity, although may show distinct behavior imposed physicochemical properties water, travertine can override intermittence effects.