Exploring Litter Decomposition, Nutrient Retention, and Sensitivity to Nitrogen Deposition Among Ancient and Recently Evolved Tree Species.

ABSTRACT: Investigating the differences among plant functional types (PFTs) and their responses to N deposition is crucial for predicting carbon and nutrient cycles and improving forest management strategies. Our research aimed to examine the decomposition rates and nutrient loss rates of leaf litter and fine roots from ancient and recently evolved species and their response to N deposition. We hypothesized that (1) leaves and fine roots of recently evolved tree species decomposes slower than those of ancient tree species due to their higher C:N ratios and structural compound content; (2) the effect of N addition on decomposition rates differs across different decomposition stages and is influenced by the associated PFT; and (3) litter morphology and substrate quality are key predictors of litter de

SUBMITTER: Peng C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12008664 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature