Abstract
The decomposition rate of leaves from neutron-gamma irradiated persimmon ( Diospyros virginiana) trees did not differ significantly from that of nonirradiated leaves during the first 28 weeks in litter. Beginning in early May and extending through summer into autumn, the irradiated leaves decomposed faster than did the controls ( P < 0·025). First-year weight loss from irradiated leaves, 62% ± 2, exceeded that from nonirradiated foliage, 48% ± 3. No differences existed in water-soluble losses from the two types of litter. The coarser texture of aberrant areas on irradiated leaves did not retard the rate of weight loss from those leaves. It is possible that convolutions in wrinkled areas of the irradiated foliage afforded concealment and a more favorable environment for decomposers.
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