Factors controlling decomposition rates of fine root litter in temperate forests and grasslands

• DOI: 10.1007/s11104-014-2151-4
• Publication Date: 2014-05-26T16:45:03Z
• Authors: Emily F. Solly; Ingo Schöning; Steffen Boch; Ellen Kandeler; Sven Marhan; Beate Michalzik; Jörg Müller; Jakob Zscheischler; Susan E. Trumbore; Marion Schrumpf
• Keywords: Litter; Plant litter; Temperate forest; Terrestrial ecosystem

Fine root decomposition contributes significantly to element cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. However, studies on rates and the factors that potentially influence them are fewer than those leaf litter decomposition. To study effects of region land use intensity fine decomposition, we established a large scale three German regions with different climate regimes soil properties. Methods In 150 forest grassland sites deployed litterbags (100 μm mesh size) standardized consisting roots from European beech forests lowland mesophilous hay meadow grasslands. central region, compared this collected on-site separate effect quality environmental factors. Standardized herbaceous soils decomposed average faster (24 ± 6 % mass loss after 12 months, mean SD) (12 4 %; p < 0.001). varied among regions. Land intensity, particular N addition, decreased The initial lignin:N ratio explained 15 variance grasslands 11 forests. Soil moisture, temperature, C:N ratios together 34 grasslands, 24 Grasslands, which have higher biomass turnover forests, also Our results further show at regional is influenced by variables such as temperature nutrient content. Additional variation quality.