Leaf litter decomposition dynamics in unmanaged Phyllostachys pubescens stands at high elevations in the Daiyun Mountain National Nature Reserve

Abstract

Due to its rapid growth and high rate of spread, Phyllostachys pubescens can suppress other species, eventually leading to pure P. pubescens forests. Research on the patterns of litter decomposition and nutrient release from P. pubescens across stand mixtures are helpful to understand the decomposition and nutrient dynamics during the invasion process. However, little is known for unmanaged conditions at high elevations. Therefore, we studied the decomposition of four litter compositions comprised of different combinations of P. pubescens and Cunninghamia lanceolata foliage for one year to explore the pattern of litter decomposition and nutrient release at the Daiyun Mountain National Nature Reserve. The results show that: (1) the litter decomposed faster with a higher proportion of P. pubescens based on Olson’s decay model; (2) the remaining litter compositions followed a trigonometric function model better than Olson’s decay model and fluctuated periodically in tandem with changing temperature and precipitation; (3) the litter mixture decompositions did not support the biomass-ratio hypothesis test; and (4) there were significant binomial, power and exponential relationships between initial concentration and final amounts remaining after 1 year decomposition for C, N and P. The correlations between litter decomposition and nutrient releases were significant. The results may be used to explain the rapid spread of P. pubescens and to guide the natural management of plantations.