Plant species- and stage-specific differences in microbial decay of mangrove leaf litter: the older the better?

ABSTRACT: Leaf litter and its breakdown products represent an important input of organic matter and nutrients to mangrove sediments and adjacent coastal ecosystems. It is commonly assumed that old-grown stands with mature trees contribute more to the permanent sediment organic matter pool than younger stands. However, neither are interspecific differences in leaf decay rates taken into account in this assumption nor is our understanding of the underlying mechanisms or drivers of differences in leaf chemistry sufficient. This study examines the influence of different plant species and ontogenetic stage on the microbial decay of mangrove leaf litter. A litterbag experiment was conducted in the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, Malaysia, to monitor leaf litter mass loss, and changes in leaf litter chemis

SUBMITTER: Pradisty NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8052233 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature