Tree litter functional diversity and nitrogen concentration enhance litter decomposition via changes in earthworm communities.

ABSTRACT: Biodiversity is a major driver of numerous ecosystem functions. However, consequences of changes in forest biodiversity remain difficult to predict because of limited knowledge about how tree diversity influences ecosystem functions. Litter decomposition is a key process affecting nutrient cycling, productivity, and carbon storage and can be influenced by plant biodiversity. Leaf litter species composition, environmental conditions, and the detritivore community are main components of the decomposition process, but their complex interactions are poorly understood. In this study, we tested the effect of tree functional diversity (FD) on litter decomposition in a field experiment manipulating tree diversity and partitioned the effects of litter physiochemical diversity and the detritivore co

SUBMITTER: Patoine G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7381558 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature