Abstract
Litter decomposition is a prominent pathway for nutrient availability and management in terrestrial ecosystems. An in-situ litter decomposition experiment was carried out for different land use types along an elevation gradient in the Taihang Mountain area restored after heavy forest degradation in the past. Four land use types, i.e., cropland, shrubland, grassland, and forest, selected randomly from a 300–700 m elevation were investigated for the experiment using the litter bag technique. Litter mass loss ranged from 26.9% (forest) to 44.3% (cropland) varying significantly among land use types. The initial litter quality, mainly N and C/N, had a significant effect on the litter loss rate. The interaction of elevation × land use types × time was significant (p < 0.001). Litter nutrient mobility (K > P ≈ N > C) of the decomposing litter was sporadic with substantial stoichiometric effects of C/N, N/P, and C/P. The residual litters were enriched in 15N and depleted in 13C as compared to the initial litter. Increment of N, P, and δ15N values in residual litter indicates that, even in the highly weathered substrate, plant litter plays a crucial role in conserving nutrients. This study is a strong baseline for monitoring the functioning of the Taihang Mountain ecosystem restored after the complete destruction in the early 1990s.
Highlights
Litter decomposition serves as a key pathway for the return of organic matter and nutrients to the soil from above-ground plant residues and maintains soil fertility in terrestrial ecosystems
Litter decomposition was slow until August, with mass loss
The litter mass loss for different land use types was ranked as cropland > shrubland ≥ grassland > forest
Summary
Litter decomposition serves as a key pathway for the return of organic matter and nutrients to the soil from above-ground plant residues and maintains soil fertility in terrestrial ecosystems. Of the major nutrients needed for forest growth is influenced by varying rates of litter decomposition followed by mineralization [7,8,9], providing the majority of the energy required to regulate biogeochemical processes governed by saprophytic organisms [6]. Forest growth dynamics and shifts in species composition regulate the decomposition pattern during succession stages. A complete understanding of litter decomposition and the extent of nutrient mobility is crucial for the development of an effective plan in order to sustain nutrient resources, especially in secondary forests that regenerate after decades [10,14]. A better understanding of the temporal pattern of litter nutrients is essential for adopting the best management strategies for maintenance, conservation, and the growth of restoring (secondary) forests [10]
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 call
