Interactive effects of elevated UV-B radiation and N deposition on decomposition of Moso bamboo litter

Abstract

Being two important agents of global environmental change, elevated ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation derived from anthropogenic driven ozone depletion and enhanced nitrogen (N) deposition may strongly affect litter decomposition, a crucial factor in biogeochemical cycling. However, the interactive effects of both agents together on litter decomposition are still unclear even though each has been well-documented independently. We conducted a field-based experiment in subtropical China to investigate the combined effects UV-B radiation and N deposition on the decomposition of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) leaf litter over a 20 months period. It was found that the combined effect significantly accelerated litter decomposition, C loss, and lignin degradation as well as facilitating phosphorous (P) release, although it had no measurable effect on N release. Moreover, the interactive effects of both agents together far exceeded the effects of each separately. Results indicated that the positive combined effect of UV-B radiation and N deposition on litter decomposition and C loss could potentially impact Moso bamboo forest ecosystem C cycling. These findings provide a new perspective to further understand the interactive effects of global environmental changes on terrestrial ecosystem processes.