Carbon dioxide emission and its impacting factor from goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) and bulrush (Typha angustifolia) decomposition during the winter period

Abstract

Leaf litter decomposition in solution is an important part of the carbon cycle. When leaf litter is deposited in water, the decomposition process takes place, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In Hungary, the goldenrod and bulrush are spreading over increasing areas along lakes and rivers, including the shores of Lake Balaton. The primary role of the Kis-Balaton wetland is to retain inorganic nutrients, thereby improving the water quality of Lake Balaton. As the water movement in this area is not very intensive and the water retention time is long, carbon dioxide emissions of parts of decomposing plants can be higher in this area. We set up a microcosm experiment in a climate chamber to determine the carbon dioxide emissions from the decomposition of goldenrod and bulrush leaves and stems in winter when information about the process is limited. Due to short investigation time, the difference in the impact of temperatures on decomposition of the studied plants was restricted to leaves only. In the study, significant difference was obtained for the plant species and the plant parts. The carbon dioxide increments ranged from 46.7 (p<0.001) to 54.5% (p<0.001) in every plant treatment related to control one. Changes in water temperature are reflected in carbon dioxide release with a minor time delay. The results showed that the decomposition of plant parts in water during winter contributes to the increase of carbon dioxide emissions from shallow water bodies, such as the Kis-Balaton wetland.