Abstract
AIMS: Our objective was assess the effects of leaf chemical change during breakdown on the associated invertebrates. METHODS: We evaluate the chemical composition of leaves (of two tree species; Sebastiania brasiliensis and Campomanesia xanthocarpa) and the density of invertebrates during leaf breakdown (on four incubation times; 3, 7, 14 and 22 days) in a subtropical stream. Linear multiple regression analysis were performed to evaluate the relationship between invertebrate density and changes in leaf chemical during breakdown. RESULTS: Density of invertebrates was related to the chemical composition of leaves. There was a positive correlation of K (β = 3.48) and a negative of C:N (β = -0.34), polyphenols (β = -0.16), Ca (β = -2.98) and Mg (β = -2.58) with the total density of invertebrates. Density of invertebrates on leaves reached 38 ± 9 and 192 ± 31 individuals g-1 leaf DM during the first 3 and 7 days of incubation, had decreased by the 14th day (117 ± 18) and then increased after 22 days (270 ± 41). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that changes in the chemistry of decomposing leaves affect invertebrate colonization process. This conclusion reinforce the importance of understand the dynamic of energy and nutrients and its association with the biological communities of tropical riparian ecosystems.
Highlights
Leaf litter from riparian trees is fundamental for the functioning of forested headwater streams because it provides the main source of carbon and nutrients for the ecosystem (Wallace, 1997)
The fragmentation of leaves occurs due to fungal and invertebrate activity that produce fine and dissolved particles, and physical abrasion caused by current and transported sediment (Ferreira et al, 2006). The effect of these fragmentation types is responsible for leaf tissue breakdown that result in changes of leaf chemical composition and faster decomposition (Ferreira et al, 2006; Santos Fonseca et al, 2013)
We examined chemical changes and invertebrate colonization of leaves from tree species with contrasting chemistry during breakdown in a subtropical stream
Summary
Leaf litter from riparian trees is fundamental for the functioning of forested headwater streams because it provides the main source of carbon and nutrients for the ecosystem (Wallace, 1997). These leaves suffer various physical and chemical processes including an initial rapid leaching phase when water-soluble compounds are lost, bacterial and fungal colonisation, and mechanical breakdown of leaf structure due to water flow and shredder invertebrates (Graça, 2001). The fragmentation of leaves occurs due to fungal and invertebrate activity that produce fine and dissolved particles, and physical abrasion caused by current and transported sediment (Ferreira et al, 2006). The effect of these fragmentation types is responsible for leaf tissue breakdown that result in changes of leaf chemical composition and faster decomposition (Ferreira et al, 2006; Santos Fonseca et al, 2013)
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