Decomposition of leaf litter exposed to simulated acid rain in a buffered lotic system

Abstract

SUMMARY. 1. Exposure to simulated acid rain resulted in changes in the chemical content of riparian vegetation and terrestrial leaf litter and had significant effects on leaf litter decay rates in a well‐buffered lotic ecosystem.2. Foliar nitrogen and phosphorus decreased with decreasing pH of the simulated acid rain and microbial activity was greater on leaf litter exposed to rain of pi I 5.4 than on leaf litter exposed to pH 3.0 or pH 4.0.3. Detritivore numbers and biomass were significantly higher on leaf litter exposed to pH 5.4, probably due to the greater palatability of the leaf substrate.4. Decay rates of leaf litter processed in the summer months were significantly lower than decay rates of leaf litter processed during the autumn/winter due to reduction in nitrogen content and microbial respiration.