Variation in decomposition rates in the fynbos biome, South Africa: the role of plant species and plant stoichiometry.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies in the fynbos biome of the Western Cape, South Africa, have suggested that biological decomposition rates in the fynbos vegetation type, on poor soils, may be so low that fire is the main factor contributing to litter breakdown and nutrient release. However, the fynbos biome also comprises vegetation types on more fertile soils, such as the renosterveld. The latter is defined by the shrub Elytropappus rhinocerotis, while the shrub Galenia africana may become dominant in overgrazed areas. We examined decomposition of litter of these two species and the geophyte Watsonia borbonica in patches of renosterveld in an agricultural landscape. In particular, we sought to understand how plant species identity affects litter decomposition rates, especially through variation in litter

SUBMITTER: Bengtsson J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3015188 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature