Nitrogen and Lignin Control of Hardwood Leaf Litter Decomposition Dynamics

Melillo, Jerry M.; Aber, John D.; Muratore, John F.

doi:10.2307/1936780

Cited by 2,317 publications

(1,471 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…A major factor determining the decomposition of litter is the initial litter "quality" as determined by chemical composition (Melillo et al, 1982;Berg, 1984). Quality is a function of both the concentration of growth-limiting nutrients (i.e.…”

Section: Necromass Stoichiometrymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Additionally, there may be other key biochemical factors influencing the quality of the fungal necromass. Litters with high concentrations of recalcitrant compounds tend to have slower decomposition rates due to their resistance to enzymatic breakdown (Meentemeyer, 1978;Melillo et al, 1982). Lignin is a compound found in plant tissues that is, relative to many other compounds, quite resistant to decomposition due to its complex and irregular molecular structure.…”

Section: Necromass Stoichiometrymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The decomposition of lignin requires the production of extracellular oxidative enzymes by decomposers (Kirk and Farrell, 1987). As a result, lignin:N ratios are often good predictors of aboveground litter and root litter decomposition rates (Melillo et al, 1982;Berg, 1984;Silver and Miya, 2001). …”

Section: Necromass Stoichiometrymentioning

confidence: 99%

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The decomposition of ectomycorrhizal fungal necromass

Fernandez¹,

Langley

Chapman

et al. 2016

Soil Biology and Biochemistry

174

109

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a b s t r a c tThe turnover of ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal biomass represents a significant input into forest carbon (C) and nutrient cycles. Given the size of these fluxes, understanding the factors that control the decomposition of this necromass will greatly improve understanding of C and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Recent research has highlighted the considerable variation in the decomposition rates of EM fungal necromass, and patterns from this research are beginning to emerge. In this article we review the research that has examined both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that control the decomposition of EM fungal necromass and propose additional factors that may strongly influence EM fungal necromass decomposition and ecosystem properties. We argue that, as with most plant litters, the stoichiometry (C:N) of EM necromass is an important factor governing decomposition, but its role is modulated by the nature of the C and N in the tissue. In particular, melanin concentration appears to negatively influence the quality of EM fungal necromass much as lignin does in plant litters. Other intrinsic factors such as the morphology of the mycelium may also play a large role and suggest this as a focus for future research. Extrinsic factors, such as decomposer community activity and physical protection by soil, are also likely to be important in governing the decomposition of ectomycorrhizal necromass in situ. Finally, we highlight the potential importance of EM fungal necromass diversity and abundance in influencing terrestrial biogeochemical cycles. Understanding the factors that control the decomposition of EM necromass will then improve the predictive power of next-generation terrestrial biosphere models.

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Section: Necromass Stoichiometrymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Necromass Stoichiometrymentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

The decomposition of ectomycorrhizal fungal necromass

Fernandez¹,

Langley

Chapman

et al. 2016

Soil Biology and Biochemistry

174

109

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Litter lignin content, in particular, is a key component of litter chemistry that commonly assumes overriding importance in determining decomposition rates in a wide variety of terrestrial (Melillo et al 1982, Freschet et al 2011, Talbot and Treseder 2012 and aquatic environments (Hladyz et al 2009, Schindler and). Evidence from streams suggests that the often tight negative relationship between litter lignin content and decomposition rate also holds for lignin and fungal growth (Gessner and Chauvet 1994), which reflects the positive effects of fungal activity on leaf litter decomposition through both direct leaf degradation and enhanced nutritional quality of litter for subsequent invertebrate consumption (Webster and Benfield 1986, Grac¸a 2001, Gulis et al 2009).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

No evidence for leaf‐trait dissimilarity effects on litter decomposition, fungal decomposers, and nutrient dynamics

Frainer

Moretti

et al. 2015

Ecology

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Abstract. Biodiversity and ecosystem-functioning theory suggest that litter mixtures composed of dissimilar leaf species can enhance decomposition due to species trait complementarity. Here we created a continuous gradient of litter chemistry trait variability within species mixtures to assess effects of litter dissimilarity on three related processes in a natural stream: litter decomposition, fungal biomass accrual in the litter, and nitrogen and phosphorus immobilization. Litter from a pool of eight leaf species was analyzed for chemistry traits affecting decomposition (lignin, nitrogen, and phosphorus) and assembled in all of the 28 possible two-species combinations. Litter dissimilarity was characterized in terms of a range of trait-diversity measures, using Euclidean and Gower distances and dendrogram-based indices. We found large differences in decomposition rates among leaf species, but no significant relationships between decomposition rate of individual leaf species and litter trait dissimilarity, irrespective of whether decomposition was mediated by microbes alone or by both microbes and litter-consuming invertebrates. Likewise, no effects of trait dissimilarity emerged on either fungal biomass accrual or changes during decomposition of nitrogen or phosphorus concentrations in individual leaf species. In line with recent meta-analyses, these results provide support for the contention that litter diversity effects on decomposition, at least in streams, are less pronounced than effects on terrestrial primary productivity.

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“…Todavia, não existe consenso na literatura com relação ao melhor método para avaliação desta decomposição, sendo a concentração de N e as relações C/N e lignina/N sugeridas por alguns autores (Mellilo et al, 1982;Berg, 1986). Outros autores avaliam esta decomposição por meio da incubação de material vegetal com solo, em laboratório ou no campo, sendo esta taxa estimada pela perda de peso decorrente da liberação de carbono na forma de CO 2 (Holtz, 1995;Silva et al, 1997;Schunke, 1998).…”

Section: Introductionunclassified

Decomposição e liberação de nitrogênio de resíduos culturais de plantas de cobertura em um solo de cerrado

Torres

Pereira

Andrioli

et al. 2005

Rev. Bras. Ciênc. Solo

141

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RESUMOA produção de massa seca, a taxa de decomposição e a liberação de nitrogênio (N) foram avaliadas em um experimento com sete tipos de cobertura vegetal: milheto pérola (Pennisetum americanum sin. tiphoydes), braquiária (Brachiaria brizantha), sorgo forrageiro (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), guandu (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp), crotalária juncea (Crotalarea juncea) e aveia-preta (Avena strigosa Schreb), em pousio e em área de cultivo convencional (testemunha), em solo de cerrado, em Uberaba, região do Triângulo Mineiro. Dentre as coberturas avaliadas, o milheto e a crotalária foram as que apresentaram a maior produção de massa seca, maior acúmulo e a maior liberação de N. A braquiária foi a cobertura que apresentou a maior taxa de decomposição. Todas as coberturas apresentaram a maior taxa de liberação de N até 42 dias após dessecação.

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Nitrogen and Lignin Control of Hardwood Leaf Litter Decomposition Dynamics

Cited by 2,317 publications

References 27 publications

The decomposition of ectomycorrhizal fungal necromass

The decomposition of ectomycorrhizal fungal necromass

No evidence for leaf‐trait dissimilarity effects on litter decomposition, fungal decomposers, and nutrient dynamics

Decomposição e liberação de nitrogênio de resíduos culturais de plantas de cobertura em um solo de cerrado

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