The Effect of Soil Fauna on Litter Mass Loss and Nutrient Loss Dynamics in Arctic Tundra at Barrow, Alaska

Abstract

Litterbags and arthropod defaunation techniques were used to evaluate the effects of soil—litter fauna on loss of dry matter and nutrient elements from native litter in arctic tundra. A control and a naphthalene—treated plot were established in each of three microhabitats. Faunal populations, litter dry mass and % N, and the concentration of Ca, Na, Mg, Mn, P, Zn, and K in the litter were measured from each litterbag. Litterbags were collected at 10—d intervals during the 1974 nonfrozen season and twice in 1975. Litter mass and nutrient loss differed among habitats and exhibited differing responses to defaunation, as did dry mass loss. Generally greater dry mass loss and less nutrient loss occurred from the litter in the control than in the corresponding defaunated plot. Nutrient loss was greater in plots that are subjected to natural periodic flooding than in plots never flooded. Loge regression lines of percent mass loss vs. days are reported for each plot on a calendar year and a nonfrozen season basis. Results of this study are compared with results from decomposition studies in other arctic and temperate systems.