Exotic mangrove <i>Laguncularia racemosa</i> litter input accelerates nutrient cycling in mangrove ecosystems.

ABSTRACT: Exotic plant litter presents different chemical and physical properties relative to native plant litter and alters ecosystem processes and functions that may facilitate exotic plant dispersal. However, these effects are largely unknown, especially within wetland ecosystems. This study examines whether introducing litter from the exotic mangrove Laguncularia racemosa could result in (1) accelerated community litter decomposition rates and increased nutrient cycling rates and (2) microbial community structure changes in the invaded areas. A single decomposition experiment using litterbags was conducted to examine the short-term effects of L. racemosa litter in the native mangrove forest ecosystem. The soil nutrients and microbial communities of Rhizophora stylosa, L.

SUBMITTER: Li H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11493641 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature