Abstract
In a large-scale field experiment in 18 basins in a three-year old constructed wetland (6 ha) in the Netherlands, we analyzed a wide range of environmental variables, grouped into variable groups, to determine the combined direct effect of the environmental variables and the resulting decomposer community on decomposition rates of standing litter biomass in newly constructed wetlands. The variability among the experimental units could only to a limited degree be explained by linear combinations of all 54 possible predictor variables (30 and 23% of variation explained after 6 and 12 months of decomposition). Moreover, models for decomposition after 6 months could not predict decomposition after 12 months. The poor predictions by our models are probably due to (sometimes large) variations in the predictor variables but small differences in decomposition rates between the different basins. Based on our results it seems that decomposition of standing litter biomass in newly constructed wetlands is relatively uniform when considered in time and space, with low explanatory power by variable groups from biotic and abiotic variables. Normally one would expect differences in decomposition rates with differing environments, but counterintuitively in newly constructed wetlands these differences are small.
Highlights
IntroductionTo understand the functioning of newly constructed wetlands in terms of nutrient cycling, it is important to quantify production and decomposition rates
Most newly constructed wetlands are used for water treatment and habitat restoration for wildlife (Fennessy et al 1994; Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.Vymazal 2007; Zhao et al 2015)
To be able to focus on the direct effects of abiotic conditions on aboveground decomposition rates and separate them from the indirect effects, this study used common reed (Phragmites australis) as a single standard substrate
Summary
To understand the functioning of newly constructed wetlands in terms of nutrient cycling, it is important to quantify production and decomposition rates. Since newly constructed wetlands show large variability in both abiotic and biotic conditions, following successional patterns over time, the drivers of decomposition rates in these systems may differ from those in developed systems. When designing and constructing new wetlands, one of the well-known driving forces for production and decomposition, i.e., nutrient availability, can be influenced by selecting specific types of sediment and water, for example rainwater with
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
