Traits determining the digestibility-decomposability relationships in species from Mediterranean rangelands.

ABSTRACT: Background and Aims:Forage quality for herbivores and litter quality for decomposers are two key plant properties affecting ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling. Although there is a positive relationship between palatability and decomposition, very few studies have focused on larger vertebrate herbivores while considering links between the digestibility of living leaves and stems and the decomposability of litter and associated traits. The hypothesis tested is that some defences of living organs would reduce their digestibility and, as a consequence, their litter decomposability, through 'afterlife' effects. Additionally in high-fertility conditions the presence of intense herbivory would select for communities dominated by fast-growing plants, which are able to compensate for tissue loss

SUBMITTER: Bumb I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5838807 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature