Comparative analysis of leaf-litter decomposition from the native Pouteria salicifolia and the exotic invasive Ligustrum lucidum in a lowland stream (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

A. V. MARANO; SAPARRAT M. C. N.; M. M. STECIOW; CABELLO, M. N.; F. H. GLEASON; C. L. A. PIRES-ZOTTARELLI; J. I. DE SOUZA; M. D. BARRERA

FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLIED LIMNOLOGY

E SCHWEIZERBARTSCHE VERLAGS

Lugar: Stuttgart; Año: 2013 vol. 183 p. 297 - 307

1863-9135

We compared loss in leaf mass and chemical changes (concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous,acid detergent fiber, lignin and phenolic compounds) during the decay of submersed leaf-litter of the native Pouteriasalicifolia and the exotic invasive Ligustrum lucidum, in a lowland stream of Buenos Aires (Argentina). Leafinput of L. lucidum was greater than that of P. salicifolia. In addition, leaves of L. lucidum decomposed more rapidlythan those of P. salicifolia, which appear to be related to leaf chemistry, i.e. initial content of carbon, phosphorous,acid detergent fiber, lignin and phenolic compounds and the greatest microbial colonization. Differences in leafchemistry and in the contribution of each plant species to litter changed the quality and quantity of organic matterentering the stream, and therefore influenced differently the process of decomposition. Consequently, we expectthat these changes might alter nutrient cycles and food web dynamics.