Litter decomposition of woody species in shrublands of NW Patagonia: How much do functional groups and microsite conditions influence decomposition?

RAFFAELE, E.; BUAMSCHA M.G., ; DE PAZ M.,; GOBBI, M.E.; RAFFAELE, E.; BUAMSCHA M.G., ; DE PAZ M.,; GOBBI, M.E.

PLANT ECOLOGY

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2017 vol. 218 p. 699 - 710

1385-0237

The study examined the effects of leaftraits, soil microsite, and microclimate characteristicson litter decomposition of the dominant species in twofunctional groups (FG), deciduous and evergreen, inshrublands in NW Patagonia, Argentina. Leaf traitsconsidered were nutrient concentration (C, N, P, C/N,and N/P) and physical characteristics (area, strength,specific leaf area, and dry matter content). Soilmicrosite characteristics measured were pH, C, N, P,C/N and water retention capacity, while soil microclimatecharacteristics recorded were soil and air,temperature and moisture, and solar radiation. Fiveevergreen and five deciduous woody shrub specieswere selected. During 1 year, litter and micrositeproperties were measured below canopy: (i) senescentleaf chemical and physical properties, and the quantityas well as field decomposition of litter and (ii) soilchemistry, and soil and air physical properties. Thefactors controlling litter decomposition were differentfor each FG. In deciduous species, C/N ratio had anegative effect on decomposition. In evergreenspecies, decomposition was affected negatively byleaf carbon and dry matter content. Litter decompositiondepended exclusively on the inherent senescentleaves traits. The common decomposition patternbetween species of both FG could be attributed tosimilar leaf traits and the correlation between variablesthat control decomposition in both groups. Plantnutrient inputs associated with the litter decompositionprocess did not explain the soil nutrient content.These results suggest that other organic matter sources(roots, branches, and fruits) are more important thanleaves on soil fertility.