Perspective Chapter: Plant Invasion and Ecosystem Litter Decomposition

Abstract

Litter decomposition plays an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of elements in ecosystems. Plant trait differences especially between invasive and native species lead to changes in litter decomposition rates. The litter decomposition rate is influenced by climatic factors such as seasonal variations, humidity, temperature, and rainfall, where species litter may have different responses. This review aims to better understand how litter decomposes in ecosystems associated with plant invasion and global changes. It also reviews the effects of various factors on litter degradation as well as how quickly invasive litter decomposes and contributes to greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions. Single species litter or only aboveground litter studies may not sufficiently represent ecosystem dynamics; therefore, the co-determination of above- and belowground litter in a mixture of species diversity is required in different biomes interaction with global change factors. As a result, comprehensive litter degradation studies must be conducted in order to understand the turnover rate of nutrients and other elements in these sensitive ecosystems.