Differences in leaf and root litter decomposition in tropical montane rainforests are mediated by soil microorganisms not by decomposer microarthropods.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Plant litter decomposition is a key process in carbon and nutrient cycling. Among the factors determining litter decomposition rates, the role of soil biota in the decomposition of different plant litter types and its modification by variations in climatic conditions is not well understood.

Methods

In this study, we used litterbags with different mesh sizes (45 µm, 1 mm and 4 mm) to investigate the effect of microorganisms and decomposer microarthropods on leaf and root litter decomposition along an altitudinal gradient of tropical montane rainforests in Ecuador. We examined decomposition rates, litter C and N concentrations, microbial biomass and activity, as well as decomposer microarthropod abundance over one year of exposure at three different altitudes (1,000

SUBMITTER: Sanchez-Galindo LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9637353 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature