Millipedes diplopoda are a highly diverse group of soil invertebrates and play vital roles in terrestrial ecosystems. Potential mechanisms for the frequently observed litter diversity effects on mass loss and nitrogen dynamics include fungidriven nutrient. A global analysis of terrestrial plant litter dynamics in. Leaf litter decomposition is a major ecosystem process that can link aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems by flows of nutrients. Though it is well established that litter decomposition varies among species, most leaf litter decomposes not alone, but in mixture with litter from heterospecifics. Plantsoil feedbacks psfs are interactions among plants, soil organisms, and abiotic soil conditions that influence plant performance, plant species diversity, and community structure, ultimately driving ecosystem processes. The functioning of many aquatic ecosystems is controlled by surrounding terrestrial ecosystems.
Wall is chair, scope committee on soil and sediment biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Berg 3, andreas bruder 5,6, olaf butenschoen 7, eric. We explore empirical and theoretical evidence for the functional significance of plant litter diversity and the extraordinary high diversity of decomposer organisms in the process of litter decomposition and the consequences for biogeochemical cycles. Over 100 gigatons of terrestrial plant biomass are produced globally each year. Climate, leaf litter chemistry and leaf litter decomposition. Ecological functions of millipedes in the terrestrial. Pdf biodiversity and litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems. Regulation of litter decomposition in forest ecosystems of sweden and new zealand abstract litter decomposition is a core ecosystem process critical for carbon and nutrient cycling, and the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Analysing two independent data sets at a global and regional scale, delgado. Chapter methods for estimating litter decomposition. Biodiversity and litter decomposition in terrestrial.
Invertebrate exclusion also influenced litter decomposition, although this effect varied between species. Consequences of biodiversity loss for litter decomposition across biomes i. Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning research hypothesizes that the global loss of species leads to impaired decomposition rates and thus to slower recycling of nutrients. Plant litter decomposition is a key process for carbon dynamics and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Specifically, the decomposition of plant litter and. Ecology copyright 2019 climate change effects on plant. Ninety percent of this biomass escapes herbivory and enters the dead organic matter pool, thus supporting complex detritusbased food webs that determine the critical balance between carbon mineralization and sequestration. Additionally, speciesspecific effects on ecosystem processes and. The interaction between litter properties, climatic conditions and soil attributes, influences the activity of microorganisms responsible for litter mineralization.
Millipedes contribute to the cycling of carbon and nutrients through their feeding activities and gut processes that help decompose litter. Tanya handa 1,2, rien aerts 3, frank berendse 4, matty p. The turnover of plant species due to climate change can greatly affect litter decomposition. Freshwater ecosystems rely on allochthonous resources. Commonly, plant litters occur in mixtures where the species differ in quality traits such as.
Giardina abstract litterfall in terrestrial ecosystems represents the primary pathway for nutrient return to soil. Methods for estimating litter decomposition noah j. The decomposition of leaf litter constitutes a major pathway of carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Climate change will affect terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystems through both gradual and sudden changes in. Functional implications of biodiversity in leaf litter decomposition. Backgroundquestionmethods the projected increase in biodiversity loss worldwide has prompted the need to understand the role of diversity in ecosystem functioning. Effects of global changes on above and belowground biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems. Ecosystem ecology is the integrated study of living and nonliving components of ecosystems and their interactions within an ecosystem framework. Third, we expected that responses of litter decomposition and nutrient release to n addition would differ in different terrestrial ecosystems. Loss of tree species translates in the loss of resource diversity from the detrital pool.
Effects of global changes on above and belowground. Especially under the premise that alpine ecosystems are very sensitive to global change and are currently undergoing extensive landuse changes, a better understanding is needed to predict how environmental. Species turnover and invasion of dominant freshwater. We also evaluate whether these concepts permit a better understanding of how biodiversity is linked to litter decomposition as a key ecosystem process influencing carbon and nutrient cycles. Dual role of lignin in plant litter decomposition in. Potential mechanisms for the frequently observed litterdiversity effects on mass loss and nitrogen dynamics include fungidriven nutrient transfer among litter species, inhibition or stimulation of microorganisms by specific litter.
Litter decomposition is an important component of the global carbon budget. Species and genetic diversity affect leaf litter decomposition in. Within the scope of the biodiversity ecosystem functioning relationship, our results therefore highlight the processspecific effects diversity may have. We examined the relative importance of leaf litter identity acacia melanoxylon, pittosporum undulatum, morella faya and environmental conditions on litter decomposition in seven lakes in the. In terrestrial ecosystems, the above and belowground plantlitter input consti tutes the main resource of energy and matter for an extraordinarily diverse com munity of soil organisms connected. Linking plant litter microbial diversity to microhabitat. The changes in soil biodiversity and soil community composition also influenced processes related to nutrient cycling. Interactions between above and belowground biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems. Leaf litter decomposition is a major ecosystem process that can link aquatic to ter. We examined the impact of biodiversity on litter decomposition in an experiment that manipulated plant species richness. Interspecific variation in leaf litter quality drives nonadditive effects of biodiversity on decomposition via. Changes in ecosystem processes that retain nutrients within the system are linked to the ability of soil organisms to break down organic matter and recycle liberated resources back into the aboveground community.
Global change, soil biodiversity, and nitrogen cycling in. Methods to study litter decomposition a practical guide. The context in which we currently view natural and seminatural ecosystems continues to value biodiversity as a cultural ecosystem service, but also considers it to be central to the delivery of other services, notably the provisioning services that represent material products. Decomposition of terrestrial resource subsidies in headwater. Soil fauna and plant litter decomposition in tropical and subalpine forests. Consequences of biodiversity loss for litter decomposition. Jan 28, 2016 the role of microbial diversity in ecosystems is less well understood than, for example, that of plant diversity. Dual role of lignin in plant litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems amy t. Biodiversity and litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems. High biodiversity is often used as an indicator of ecosystem health and has been shown to have direct links to human health. We posit that soil microbial diversity plays a key role in maintaining ecosystem multifunctionality by supporting processes such as litter decomposition and organic matter mineralization 3,7,16,17.
Interspecific variation in leaf litter quality drives nonadditive effects of biodiversity on decomposition via responses by microbial and invertebrate consumers. Biodiversity loss threatens key ecosystem functions previous studies have shown that loss of plant biodiversity will lead to falling plant. Regulation of litter decomposition in forest ecosystems of. Climate change influences psfs through the performance of. Heterotrophic metabolism, facilitated through comminution by small insects and leaching during precipitation events, results in the. The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem processes. Abstract we explore empirical and theoretical evidence for the functional significance of plantlitter diversity and the extraordinary high diversity of decomposer organisms in the process of litter decomposition and the consequences for biogeochemical cycles. In conclusion, litter species and decomposer diversity can significantly influence carbon and nutrient turnover rates. The rate of decomposition is governed by three sets of factorsthe physical environment temperature, moisture, and soil properties, the quantity and quality of the dead material available to decomposers, and the nature of the microbial community itself. Functional diversity of terrestrial microbial decomposers and their. The decomposition of leaf litter of terrestrial origin is a fundamental process in aquatic ecosystems in forest contexts.
Here we synthesize ideas and experimental evidence on how leaf litter decomposition in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is shaped by the diversity of resources i. Terrestrial ecosystems chapter 12 arctic biodiversity. Here, we examined the effects of consumer community diversity on leaf decomposi. One noteworthy feature of litter decomposition is the variability of litter decomposition rate k among ecosystems and under different climatic conditions. Field experiments across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems show that biodiversity positively affects carbon and nitrogen cycling in leaf litter decomposition, indicating that reduced. Mar 09, 2010 plant litter decomposition is a critical step in the formation of soil organic matter, the mineralization of organic nutrients, and the carbon balance in terrestrial ecosystems. The importance of litter traits and decomposers for litter. Little is known about what drives leaf litter decomposition in oceanic islands. Our results suggested that across the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, litter c and n loss was generally controlled by a common hierarchy of drivers. Plant litter diversity influences decomposition in terrestrial gartner and cardon. Litter decomposition is also a fundamental component of the global carbon cycle.
Litter movement pathways across terrestrialaquatic. Alnus glutinosa, biodiversity ecosystem functioning, fagus sylvatica. In terrestrial ecosystems, the above and belowground plantlitter input consti. Primary forests are natural forests without apparent and reported human impacts, whereas secondary forests are naturally developed stands with native species don et al. With up to 90% of global terrestrial plant production entering the dead organic matter pool, decomposition and the sequestration of organic carbon in soils and sediments stand out as central components of ecosystem functioning. Brose, climate change effects on macrofaunal litter decomposition.
Litter decomposition plays an important role in carbon c cycling in terrestrial ecosystems aerts 2006. Biodiversity and decomposition in experimental grassland. For terrestrial ecosystem ecology, decomposition of above. Pdf diversity and forest leaf litter decomposition. Biodiversity abstract little is known about the effect of decomposer diversity on litter decomposition in alpine areas. Rates of litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems. Biodiversity loss threatens key ecosystem functions. We assess the evidence for correlation between aboveground and belowground diversity and conclude that a variety of mechanisms could lead to positive, negative, or no relationshipdepending on the strength and type of interactions among species. Responses of litter decomposition and nutrient release to.
Terrestrial biodiversity can be defined as the variety of life forms on the land surface of the earth. Biotic decomposition in mesic ecosystems is generally negatively correlated with the concentration of lignin, a group of complex aromatic polymers present in plant cell. Biodiversity and ecosystem function of decomposition. Terrestrial ecosystems represent the most important carbon c sink with their capacity to store almost three times that of the atmosphere trumper et al. Integration of these subsidies depends on diversity of both terrestrial resources and aquatic shredder and decomposer communities, but the diversity effects on leaf litter breakdown and decomposition are less clear in aquatic than terrestrial ecosystems. Pdf biodiversity and litter decomposition in terrestrial. To determine if decomposition, microbial and invertebrate colonization of lateral litter inputs are similar to those of vertical inputs, we assessed leaf decomposition of alder, poplar and a 1. The decomposition of plant litter is an example of such a key function with important implications for nutrient cycling within ecosystems. In litter mixtures, the decomposition of one litter type may be influenced by the presence of other litter types, as reported in recent work on decomposition dynamics within multispecies litter mixtures in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Microbial activity accounted for 85% of total leaf mass loss, and no effect of litter mixture was observed when detritivores were excluded. Detailed protocols for direct use in the field or laboratory are presented in an easy to follow stepbystep format. Litter decomposition is a key process in the carbon balance of soils.
Using biomass originating from the experimental species richness gradient and from a species used as a common substrate, we measured rates of decomposition in litterbags in two locations. Responses of litter decomposition and nutrient release to n. Climatic features, like temperature, rainfall, humidity, and seasonal variations affect the rate of litter decomposition. Mar 15, 2012 decomposition of senesced plant material is an important ecosystem process. Leaf litter decomposition on insular lentic systems. Litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems has a major role in the biogeochemical cycling of elements in the environment. Terrestrial and marine ecosystems supply the foundation for human wellbeing and livelihood through the food, water, timber, and other goods and services they provide advances over past decades have also revealed the importance of less visible but equally important services that ecosystems provide for society, such as water filtration, carbon storage, maintenance of biodiversity, protection. Functional diversity of leaf litter mixtures slows. Abstract litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems has a major role in the biogeochemical cycling of elements in the environment. Leaf litter quality drives litter mixing effects through. In a view of growing interest in linking biodiversity to ecosystem. Heterotrophic metabolism, facilitated through comminution. Leaf tissue can account for more than 70% of above.
This science examines how ecosystems work and relates this to their components such as chemicals, bedrock, soil, plants, and animals. Consensus statement four diverse communities are more productive because they contain key. Litter decomposition is a fundamental process within ecosystem. These studies investigating litter decomposition process along a gradient. Our tools available for investigation are broadening to include new technological. Relationships based on climatic averages conceal much of the local variability, and the response of this local variability to climate change will determine how climate change is likely to influence global patterns of litter decomposition. Pdf biodiversity and ecosystem function of decomposition. Van veen, effects of global changes on above and belowground biodiversity in terrestrial.
Is litter decomposition enhanced in species mixtures. In forests, most of the plant litter from aboveground plant production is supplied in the form of leaves, which decompose much faster than the woody litter. Further, approximately 40% of terrestrial c is stored in tropical forests, sequestering large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere beer et al. How will changes in biodiversity affect this vital component of ecosystem functioning. Terrestrial ecosystem an overview sciencedirect topics. Litter fall in terrestrial ecosystems signifies a crucial pathway for nutrient return to the soil. Increased decomposer diversity accelerates and potentially. We identify the basic types of interaction between vascular plants and soil biota. Interactions between aboveground and belowground biodiversity.
If terrestrial plant, productivity does increase with warming by increasing nutrients available from decomposition, then more litterfall may be expected. In addition, biodiversityecosystem function relationships in natural ecosystems sometimes differ from saturating curves22, and future research needs to assess when and why these differences occur. Mark dangerfield is a professor at the centre for biodiversity and bioresources, school of biological sciences, macquarie university, sydney, new south wales 2109, australia. Microbial diversity drives multifunctionality in terrestrial. To comprehend the potential consequences of biodiversity loss on the leaf litter decomposition process, a better understanding of its underlying mechanisms is necessary. Due to the strong climatic control of litter decomposition, climate change may significantly affect this pathway. Litter decomposition is a primary source of soil nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are often limiting to plant growth in terrestrial ecosystems. Decomposition of senesced plant material is an important ecosystem process. Climate change alters plantderived inputs to soil in the form of litter production and rhizodeposition, raising questions about the way and intensity with which they are affected 3837. The study of ecosystems ecology from the greek oikos meaning house or dwelling, and logos meaning discourse is the study of the interactions of organisms with each other and their environment.
In contrast, the presence of detritivores, despite their relatively low abundance and diversity, was a key factor for litter decomposition and promoted effects of litter mixture. The decomposition of leaf litter from a plant is an important ecosystem process that significantly affect soil formation and the liberalisation of energy to higher trophic levels within the forest. The main objective of this book is to provide students and laboratory instructors at universities and professional ecologists with a broad range of established methods to study plant litter decomposition. Tree species richness affects litter production and. Interactions between aboveground and belowground biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems. Functional diversity of terrestrial microbial decomposers. Assessing the temporal dynamics of aquatic and terrestrial.