Abstract
Plant litter decomposition in inland waters contributes significantly to nutrient load, particularly in still waters, such as shallow lakes and wetlands. The decomposition rates of Salix alba and Populus tremula leaf litter was examined in Lake Balaton and Kis-Balaton Wetland, using litter bag technique. Leaf litter was incubated in small (ᴓ=3 mm) and large (ᴓ=900 μm) mesh size bags for the assessment of the relative contribution of macroinvertebrates to leaf litter decomposition. Dry mass, exponential decay coefficient and chemical parameters of water (pH, conductivity, NH4 +, NO3 -, SO4 2-, PO4 3-, Cl-) were determined. Leaf mass loss showed negative exponential pattern during the 168 days of the decomposition period. Leaf litter mass loss generally did not differ between the small and large mesh sizes, suggesting that macroinvertebrates generally have a negligible role in leaf decomposition in the winter period.
Highlights
Leaf litter decomposition is a fundamental process, influencing material cycle in an ecosystem (Hoorens et al 2003)
Hypothesis that the litter of Salix alba and Populus tremula have the same decomposition rates were tested in the study areas (Lake Balaton and Kis-Balaton Wetland) by using different litterbags
After half year of incubation, the two litter species underwent a relatively rapid mass loss, with the average remaining dry mass ranging from 44 to 63% of the initial dry mass depending on litter species and study sites
Summary
Leaf litter decomposition is a fundamental process, influencing material cycle (i.e. carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus etc.) in an ecosystem (Hoorens et al 2003). Salix alba and Populus tremula are the most common trees in the area of shallow lakes and wetlands in Hungary. Determining the decomposition rates of the dominant coastal trees will help us to answer whether the leaves falling into the lake serve as nutrient sink or source. The general aim of this study was to estimate the decomposition rate of Salix alba and Populus tremula litter in winter with two different litter bags (small and large mesh sizes). Hypothesis that the litter of Salix alba and Populus tremula have the same decomposition rates were tested in the study areas (Lake Balaton and Kis-Balaton Wetland) by using different litterbags
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