Processing of confined and naturally entrained leaf litter in a woodland stream ecosystem1

• DOI: 10.4319/lo.1980.25.5.0952
• Publication Date: 2010-03-27T18:03:49Z
• Authors: Kenneth W. Cummins; George L. Spengler; G. Milton Ward; Robert M. Speaker; Roger W. Ovink; David C. Mahan; Rosanna L. Mattingly
• Keywords: Tilia; Litter; Plant litter

A comparison between stream community processing rates of naturally entrained leaf litter and leaves in packs or 1‐mm‐mesh bags demonstrated that served as a suitable analogue exposed sites (riffles) whereas did not. In riffles, were processed at characteristic depositional zones (pools alcoves). length‐weight regression method for evaluating the range microhabitat‐related communities appears suitable. Leaf nitrogen levels increased by shredders reflected microbial conditioning. Shredders responded to high quality bass‐wood ( Tilia americana ) increasing their density rather than growth per individual.