Teatime in the Serengeti: macrodetritivores sustain recalcitrant plant litter decomposition across human-modified tropical savannahs

• DOI: 10.1007/s11104-020-04704-z
• Publication Date: 2020-09-17T20:02:48Z
• Authors: Anders Sundsdal; Bente J. Graae; James D. M. Speed; John Bukombe; Philipo Jacob Mtweve; Marit K. Arneberg; Vilde L. Haukenes; Ragnhild T. Grevs...; Stuart W. Smith
• Keywords: Litter; Plant litter

Abstract Background and aims Intensification of savannah land-use is predicted to negatively influence soil biodiversity functioning such as litter decomposition by detritivores. Loss macrodetritivores, particularly termites, may be problematic in drier savannahs due the capacity macrodetritivores sustain decomposition. Here we investigate how human spatiotemporal rainfall contribution plant Methods We measured using globally standardized litter: labile green recalcitrant rooibos tea litter. The was determined through exclusion meshed litterbags. Litter agricultural land, pastureland wildlife protected areas during both wet dry seasons mesic regions across borders Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Results Macrodetritivores consumed mainly avoided On average enhanced 22%, but mass loss varied land-uses, typically being higher on compared areas, sustained periods water scarcity. However, observed instances areas. In contrast, microbes microdetritivores more constrained seasonal regional availability with a minor land-use. Conclusion found that moderate human-modification compatible macrodetritivore As become intensely used humans, raising ecological awareness among agropastoralist required ensure continued