Abstract
Decomposition of three leaf species (Alnus glutinosa, Eucalyptus globulus and Quercus robur) were examined in a headstream. During two months decomposing leaves were periodically analysed for nutrient content, soluble sugars, phenols, protein precipitation capacity, total fiber, weight loss, microbial and macroinvertebrate colonisation. The leaves of the three species showed similar patterns in dynamics of soluble sugars, tannins and phenols. Bacteria numbers per foliar dry mass were constant in oak during the experiment, but increased linearly in eucalyptus. Total heterotrophic colony forming units (bacteria and fungi) were similar in eucalyptus and oak and constant during incubation, whereas in alder, they became more abundant. The analysis of invertebrate assemblages revealed differences between alder and the other two species related to nitrogen and microbial abundance.
Submitted Version (Free)
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.