Leaf Litter Research Articles

Assessing the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Potential of Harvested Wood Products in Romania and Their Contribution to Achieving Climate Neutrality

Forests mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by capturing CO₂ and storing it as carbon in various forms, including living biomass, dead wood, soil, and forest litter. Importantly, when trees are harvested, a portion of the above-ground biomass is converted into harvested wood products (HWPs), which can retain carbon for decades. With approximately 7 million hectares of forest (30% of its land area), Romania significantly contributes to the country’s carbon budget through the HWP pool. Using country-specific data from 1961 to 2022 and an IPCC method, we tracked HWP carbon storage and projected future scenarios to evaluate the category’s significance in achieving the 2050 climate target. During this period, the carbon stored in Romanian HWPs more than doubled from 28.20 TgC to 60.76 TgC, with sawnwood products as major contributors. Fluctuations were influenced by domestic policies, market dynamics, and industry changes, notably after the 1990s. Annual carbon inflow dipped to 0.65 TgC in 1994 and peaked at 2.54 TgC in 2013. By analyzing the scenarios, we demonstrated that a moderate growth trajectory in carbon inflow, combined with a focus on producing long-lived wood products, could double carbon stock changes by 2050 to 4.4 TgC—roughly 4% of the country’s current total emissions excluding the LULUCF sector. Additionally, based on sustainable forest management practices in Romania, this approach would significantly enhance the carbon pool and its importance in achieving the country’s climate policies.

Tracing microbial community across endophyte-to-saprotroph continuum of Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl leaves considering priority effect of endophyte on litter decomposition

Endophytes typically coexist with plants in symbiosis and transition into the saprobic system as plant tissues senesce, participating in the decomposition process of litter. However, the dynamic changes of endophytic communities during this process and their role in litter decomposition remain unclear. This study tracked the microbial composition across the transition from live leaves to litter in Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl (C. camphora), evaluating the contribution of endophytes to litter decomposition by examining microbial diversity, community assembly, and co-occurrence networks along the endophyte-to-saprotroph spectrum. The results revealed increasing bacterial diversity but stable fungal diversity, and the diversity of endogenous microbes is mirrored this in the saprophytic phase. Bacterial community assembly was characterized by deterministic processes during the symbiotic phase, shifted to stochastic processes during the saprophytic phase. In contrast, fungal community assembly was predominantly driven by stochastic processes throughout the continuum. Out of the 49 keystone taxa identified, only Pseudorhodoplanes sinuspersici demonstrated a significant positive correlation with community assembly. All identified bacterial keystone taxa during the saprophytic phase originated from endophytic sources, and around 80% of the fungal keystone taxa in the initial stages of decomposition were similarly endophytic in origin. Additionally, 60% of the dominant bacterial taxa and 28% of the dominant fungal taxa at the commencement of decomposition were of endophytic descent. This suggests that endogenous microbes possess the potential to evolve into both keystone and dominant taxa during the saprophytic phase. Endogenous keystone and dominant microbes both exhibited significant correlations with microbial network, indicating their substantial ecological presence in microbial community. Both endogenous keystone and dominant taxa exerted significant potential influences on litter decomposition. Overall, during the saprophytic phase, endophytes are likely to influence the assemblage of microbial communities, the network structure, and decomposition-related functions. Specifically, it appears that bacterial endophytes may possess a greater adaptability to the decomposition processes of leaf litter compared to their fungal counterparts.

Ecosystem carbon storage, allocation and carbon credit values of major forest types in the central Himalaya

Himalayan forests are crucial global carbon reservoirs that contribute significantly to carbon mitigation efforts. Although situated within a single climatic zone, Himalayan forests include diverse forest types within a short distance due to variations in altitude, mountain range, slope, and aspect. This study aimed to estimate ecosystem carbon storage (including plant biomass, deadwood, litter, and soil organic carbon [SOC]) and allocation and to evaluate carbon sequestration and carbon credit potential in chir-pine plants (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.), deodar (Cedrus deodara [Roxb.] G. Don), oak (Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus), and sal (Shorea robusta [Roth]) forests in the central Himalaya. Volumetric equations were utilized across diverse tree species and supplemented by field sampling, particularly by employing the quadrat method to quantify tree biomass. The carbon stocks within ecosystems varied considerably, ranging between 122.44 and 306.44 Mg C ha−1, with discernible differences among forest types, with oak forests exhibiting the highest carbon stock, followed by deodar and sal forests, and pine forests showing the lowest. The allocation of ecosystem carbon stocks among the different components, including trees (21%–34%), soil (64%–77%), deadwood (0.9%–0.35%), and litter (0.46%–1.20%), demonstrated significant variability. The Mantel test revealed the significant influence of environmental factors on carbon storage. Carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration ranged from 448.98 (pine forest) to 1123.16 (oak forest) Mg CO2 ha−1, while carbon credit values ranged from 1346.96 EUR ha−1 (pine forests) to 3379.49 EUR ha−1 (oak forest). In this study, dominant trees in various forest types contributed to higher carbon storage in their biomass and forest soil, resulting in greater carbon credits. The present research evaluated ecosystem carbon storage, CO2 sequestration potential, and carbon credit valuation for major forests in the central Himalaya. By incorporating these findings into forest management plans and strategies, the carbon sequestration potential and carbon trading of the central Himalayan forest ecosystem in India can be enhanced.

Mercury in an Australian sclerophyll Eucalyptus forest and emissions from fuel reduction prescribed burning

Environmental context Understanding how mercury cycles through the environment is crucial for protecting ecosystems and human health. Our study is among the first to measure mercury concentrations in Eucalyptus forest soils and litter and estimate emissions from prescribed burns, addressing a significant gap in current knowledge. These new data enhance our understanding of mercury cycling in Australia and contribute to the global information on the biogeochemical cycle of mercury. Rationale Research on mercury in Australian soils and litter is sparse. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by investigating mercury pools in soil and litter in a eucalypt forest in Victoria, Australia. Methodology We analysed total mercury concentrations in O and A horizon soils, and twig, bark and leaf litter. Soil samples were collected from an area affected by a prescribed burn and unburned areas. Additionally, soil samples from the base of tree stems were taken in unburned areas. The organic matter content of all soil samples was also assessed. Results In unburned soils, mean mercury concentrations at the base of tree stems, in the O-horizon and A horizon were 143 ± 61, 112 ± 71 and 56 ± 30 ng g−1 respectively. In burned soils, mean mercury concentrations in the O and A horizons were 91 ± 63 and 46 ± 19 ng g−1 respectively. Mercury concentrations in leaf, bark and twig litter averaged 71 ± 11, 21 ± 13 and 8 ± 4 ng g−1 respectively. The emission factor was estimated as 0.247 g Hg ha−1. Discussion The studied sclerophyll forest represents a significant mercury reservoir. Burning did not significantly alter the mercury burden in soil; however, emissions of mercury from litter did occur. This finding underscores the need for more comprehensive research into mercury cycling in Australia and suggests that prescribed burning practices should account for potential mercury emissions.

Declines in carbon and nitrogen release from decomposing litter under elevated CO2 in terrestrial ecosystems

Abstract Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations have been increasing dramatically due to human activities and land use changes, and the CO2 fertilization effect significantly increases global net primary productivity (NPP). However, whether the decomposition of surplus litter input on the soil surface is facilitated by elevated CO2 (eCO2) across a broad range of terrestrial ecosystems is not fully understood. We compiled 227, 85 and 131 paired observations (with and without eCO2) for litter mass loss, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) release, respectively, during litter decomposition to assess the fate of decomposing litter and C and N release under eCO2 across terrestrial ecosystems. Litter mass loss was decreased by 4.46%, and C and N release were significantly reduced by 6.70% and 3.36%, respectively, under eCO2. This eCO2 effect on litter mass loss was greater in forests (decreased by 7.22%) than in croplands and grasslands. In forests, eCO2 had a greater effect on the decomposition rate of broadleaved than coniferous litter, and root litter was more sensitive than leaf and stem litter. Changes in litter lignin concentration and edaphic factors under eCO2 contributed to these differences in litter decomposition. Greater decreases in litter mass loss and C and N release were found after longer time (6-12 months) than short-term (less than 6 months) CO2 enrichment. A possible consequence is that more litter accumulates on soil surface without being decomposed due to eCO2 in terrestrial ecosystems over longer time periods, resulting in a negative loop in biogeochemical cycles with increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration.

Drivers of fungal succession during leaf litter decomposition in restored and secondary forests in tropical Andean forest

Assessing the diversity of organisms related to ecosystem, processes such as litter decomposition, and the factors influencing such diversity are useful indicators of the success of initiatives undertaken to restore ecosystems to a stable, functional state or their initial conditions. In this study, we evaluated the succession of decomposing fungal communities and their drivers at active restoration and native regeneration in a tropical Andean forest. We designed a litter decomposition experiment in which we manipulated the leaf litter quality using two plant species, Alnus acuminata (Betulaceae) and Hedyosmum bonplandianum (Chloranthaceae), which differ in the C:N ratio, and the soil fauna using two mesh sizes. Our results showed that the fungal communities were dominated by the phylum Ascomycota. Additionally, forest recovery strategies affected the fungal succession during the litter decomposition, with higher fungal richness and density recorded under active restorations. Further, the effect of litter quality and soil fauna on fungal community differed according to forest recovery strategies. The density of mycelial fungi propagules was only affected by soil fauna under active restoration. Species turnover was the main cause for the beta diversity of the fungal species under both forest recovery strategies. Our findings provide information on how the forest recovery strategies determine the richness, density, and composition of fungi associated with litter decomposition and how they mediate the effects of litter quality and soil fauna on the fungal community involved in the decomposition process.

Effects of a chemical dispersant on the dispersibility of Moso bamboo phytoliths in a particle-size analysis

ABSTRACT Phytoliths produced by higher plants are biogenic minerals with a wide range of particle sizes that correspond to clay, silt, and sand in mineral soil. Phytoliths supplied to soils through plants’ death function as soil particles and affect soil physicochemical properties. Investigations of the functions of phytolith particles as a subset of soil particles are facilitated by fractionation and quantification of the phytoliths based on soil particle-size distribution. Fractionation is typically conducted through particle-size analysis (PSA) methods developed for soil texture analyses. However, the effects of chemicals used to achieve particle dispersion in these methods on phytolith dispersibility remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of chemical dispersants on phytolith dispersibility. Based on the results, several recommendations are provided with respect to the dispersal conditions. The phytoliths used in this study were extracted from Moso bamboo leaf litter through wet digestion and dispersed by ultrasound followed by two chemical procedures: pH control using hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide and the addition of sodium hexametaphosphate as a dispersant. The extent of dispersion was determined by quantifying the clay-sized fraction (<2 µm) through gravity sedimentation and the pipette method. The results showed that the content of clay-sized phytoliths in dispersions remained constant from pH 3 to 9, then increased significantly at pH 10–11, likely due to phytolith dissolution, which also led to overestimation of the clay-sized fraction. This finding demonstrated that dispersion at higher pH (>10), as is often the case in PSA methods for soils, is unsuitable for phytoliths; instead, soil particles should be dispersed at pH < 9 to avoid phytolith dissolution.

Taxonomic contribution to knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Achipteria (Acari, Oribatida, Achipteriidae)

ABSTRACT The oribatid mite family Achipteriidae is recorded in the Dominican Republic for the first time. A new species of the genus Achipteria—A. (Izuachipteria) dominicanensis sp. nov.—is described, based on adults collected from leaf litter in a mixed forest. The species is characterized by the morphology of the lamella (triangular distally, without strong lateral tooth), the location of the lamellar seta (on ventral side of the lamella), the length of the bothridial seta (long), the ornamentation and morphology of the pteromorph (partially striate, with lateral tooth), the number of the leg claws (one), and the absence of the notogastral saccules. The taxonomic status of the subgenera Achipteria (Cubachipteria), A. (Hokkachipteria), and A. (Izuachipteria) is discussed. An identification key, distribution, and habitat of the known representatives of Achipteria (Izuachipteria) are presented.

Non-additive effects of leaf-litter flammability on eight subtropical tree species: Implications for forest species composition and fire susceptibility.

The readiness of leaf-litter to burn in the presence of fire differs greatly between species. Thus, forests composed of different species vary in their susceptibility to fire. Fire susceptibility of forests may also differ from the arithmetic means of flammability of their component species, i.e., non-additive effects exist. Here, we assessed nine indices of flammability and five physicochemical properties of the leaf litter of eight common subtropical tree species in China. We then tested the net effects on litter flammability of different mixtures of the eight species. We measured the following variables: time to ignition, combustion time, spread rate, ignition temperature, mass loss, maximum flame height and three temperature indices, moisture, cellulose, lignin and ash contents, and specific leaf area (SLA). Our results show that the flammability of leaf litter: time to ignition, combustion time, ignition temperature, and flame height, varies widely between the eight species. Time to ignition was short (<3s) for the three conifer species and Quercus variabilis and Q. aliena, but long (3.5-8.8s) for Q. fabri, Q. glauca, and Liquidambar formosana. The five species with a short time to ignition all have high cellulose and lignin contents, and SLA, and are highly flammable. In contrast, the three species with long time to ignition have low cellulose and lignin contents, and SLA, and high ash content. Cellulose and lignin contents, and SLA are the major drivers of litter flammability, and ash and moisture contents are important negative drivers. Mixed litters containing species with high cellulose and lignin contents and SLA have positive non-additive effects (synergistic) on overall flammability whereas those containing species with low cellulose and lignin contents, and SLA have negative non-additive effects (antagonistic) on flammability. These results are essential for assessing forest fire-risks and assisting species selection in plantations or fire-break forests as a part of a forest fire-management strategy.

Polyethylene microplastics distinctly affect soil microbial community and carbon and nitrogen cycling during plant litter decomposition

Plant litter is an important input source of carbon and nitrogen in soil. While microplastics (MPs) and plant litter are ubiquitously present in soil, their combined impact on soil biogeochemical processes remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we examined the soil changes resulting from the coexistence of plant litter (Alfalfa) and polyethylene microplastics (PE). The soil changes included physicochemical properties, composition of soil dissolved organic matter, and structure of the soil microbial community. The results showed that the addition of polyethylene (PE) inhibited the degradation of humus-like substances and decreased the quantity of humic acid-like compounds in soil dissolved organic matter (DOM). PE negatively impacted plant litter decomposition, disrupted soil organic carbon (SOC) breakdown, interfered with the nitrogen cycle, and significantly altered microbial community structures during the process. By day 35, SOC and total nitrogen (TN) levels were reduced by 39.8% and 10.1%, respectively, in the presence of PE. Furthermore, PE significantly decreased the abundance of nitrogen-fixing microbes, including Streptomyces (43.1%) and Bacillus (45.9%), which play key roles in nitrate reduction to ammonium. This study highlights the environmental effects of MPs on plant litter decomposition and their potential implications for soil biogeochemical processes.

Functional traits of Ziziphus mucronata below mistletoe-infected trees in a semi-arid African savanna

Mistletoes are increasingly associated with elevated leaf litter, soil nutrients, and soil moisture, resources which influence variations in plant functional traits. Despite this recognition, variations in the functional traits of understorey plants with overstorey (host) tree mistletoe infection are yet to be examined. Here, we measured the different functional traits (height, stem diameter, canopy area, leaf area, specific leaf area, whole-leaf thickness, leaf dry matter content, and chlorophyll content) of Ziziphus mucronata, a dominant woody plant beneath mistletoe-infected Vachellia karroo trees in semi-arid savanna. Two-sample t-tests were used to compare host size, mistletoe infection intensity, and trait variables between low and high mistletoe-infected trees. The relationships between Ziziphus mucronata functional traits vs. host tree diameter and the number of mistletoes per tree were explored using regression analysis and visualized using a regression biplot based on a redundancy analysis (RDA). Host tree height, canopy area, and canopy volume were strongly positively (r > 0.7, p < 0.05) related to mistletoe infection intensity. While most of the traits did not vary with mistletoe infection, the chlorophyll content and leaf area of understorey Z. mucronata increased with host tree size, being greater beneath high than low mistletoe-infected trees. These variations are linked to changes in limiting resources such as light, soil nutrients, and soil moisture due to accumulation of mistletoes and increase in size as the host tree ages. As a result, the understorey plants shifted from being resource conservative to being acquisitive as limiting resources increased. The general lack of trait plasticity in understorey Z. mucronata suggests that plastic allocation responses may not be a general consequence of mistletoe infection.

From treetops to river bottoms: Exploring the role of phyllosphere fungi in aquatic fungal communities.

Fungi play a crucial role in aquatic leaf litter decomposition. Aquatic fungi have long been thought to spend the majority of their lives in the water. Here, we explore the possibility of an amphibious life cycle, where phyllosphere fungi spend part of their life cycle in aquatic systems. We used internal transcribed spacer (ITS) fungal sequencing to follow phyllosphere fungi onto submerged litter, and quantitative stable isotope probing (qSIP) to differentiate active and inactive fungi. We found that around 30% of fungi active on aquatic litter entered the stream with the leaf and that these phyllosphere fungi were as active, if not more active than, as the fungi colonizing from the water column. These results demonstrate that phyllosphere fungi are an important part of aquatic fungal communities.

Eco-charcoal: Efficacy of the Leaf Litter and Rice Hull Eco-charcoal: Efficacy of the Leaf Litter and Rice Hull (Oryza sativa) as Charcoal Briquettes

Eco-charcoal: Efficacy of the Leaf Litter and Rice Hull Eco-charcoal: Efficacy of the Leaf Litter and Rice Hull (Oryza sativa) as Charcoal Briquettes

Functional Traits and Species Identity Drive Decomposition Along a Successional Gradient in Upper Andean Tropical Forests

ABSTRACTLeaf litter decomposition constitutes one of the most vital processes for maintaining productivity and carbon release in ecosystems. However, this remains one of the least understood processes in upper Andean tropical forests (UATF), a highly diverse ecoregion that has undergone extensive transformation over the centuries. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationships between decomposition rates of leaf litter, leaf functional traits, and microclimatic conditions along a successional gradient of UATF. We also tested the “after‐life effect” by analyzing changes between green and senescent leaves. We performed a fully reciprocal translocation experiment with 15 representative species of UATF in a set of 14 permanent plots by using 2520 litterbags distributed across 42 experimental units (three litterbeds per plot), over 1.5 years, with four harvesting times (3, 6, 12, and 18 months). Chemical and physical traits were measured in green and senescent leaves to identify the best predictors of decomposition and to analyze the “after‐life effect.” We found that functional traits and species identity drive litter decomposition in UATF, rather than succession and microclimatic conditions of soil moisture and temperature. The relative importance of traits was prevalent in all stages of decay, despite being stronger in the early phases. Although we found an “after‐life effect” of green leaves in decomposition, changes in chemical composition from green to senescent leaves indicated substantial nitrogen resorption, which is a limiting resource in tropical montane forests. With the increasing landscape transformation in UATF, changes in plant species composition could have profound impacts by altering decomposition rates, nutrient cycling, and global carbon storage.

Assessment of nutrient storage and translocation in winter harvested Typha latifolia from free-water surface treatment wetland mitigating diffuse agricultural pollution.

Wetland macrophytes play a critical role in the performance of treatment wetlands (TWs), primarily through nutrient uptake. However, this retention is temporary, as nutrients are released back into the water upon the decomposition of plant litter. The removal of stored nutrients from TWs can be efficiently achieved by harvesting plants during the peak of the growing season, albeit with significant ecological disturbance. Therefore, winter harvesting is recommended, although the specific amounts of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) removed during this period remain uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of winter harvesting in removing substantial nutrient amounts compared to belowground storage. Experimental harvesting was conducted over five winters (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023) at the Vända free-water surface TW system in Estonia, focusing on above-ice biomass (stems, leaves, flowers) and below-ice biomass (roots and rhizomes). The dry weight and nutrient content of these biomasses were analysed. Findings indicated a gradual increase in nutrient pools within Typha latifolia plants, without significant differences between the two subsequent wetlands or a clear correlation with vegetation cover. Winter harvesting of above-ice biomass removed approximately 50% of plant biomass, and about 30% of N and P accumulated in the macrophytes, as most nutrients were already stored in the rhizomes by the end of the growing season.

Ants associated with dry forest fragments and urban environments in Santa Marta, Colombia

&lt;p&gt;A publicly accessible database of ants associated with dry forest fragments and urban environments in Santa Marta, Colombia, is presented through the Colombian Biodiversity Information System (SIB). Capture methods included the installation of pitfall traps, protein and carbohydrate baits, extraction by the Winkler method of ants associated with leaf litter and manual collection of ants foraging on tree vegetation. The dataset contains 54 323 records, distributed in seven subfamilies, 42 genera, 88 species and nine morphospecies. This list is a tool to encourage the study and conservation of ants in urban areas.&lt;/p&gt;

Catalogue of Insect Bio-Diversity in High Density Guava after Trash Mulching

Trash mulching in crops increases yield and conserve the insect biodiversity. An experiment on mulching with leaf litters was conducted in high density guava with an idea of conserving. The results showed more insect diversity in mulched than non-mulched trees. The insect species catalogued in the study were 9 herbivores and 24 natural enemies. A total of 33 insect species were thus catalogued. A new white grub species was first time documented in HDP guava from Tamil Nadu. The Shannon Index of the insect herbivores were 1.21 and 1.24 in mulched and non-mulched plot, respectively. The Simpson index of the insect herbivores was 0.64 and 0.65 in mulched and non-mulched plots, respectively. Higher species diversity of the insect predators was achieved with the shannon Index (0.23) and Simpson’s Index (0.04) in mulched trees. A total of 12 number of Trichogramma sp, wer also recorded. From the mealybug Paracoccus marginatus, parasitoids such as Acerophagus papayae, Pseudleptomastix mexicana , Prochiloneurus pulchellus and Allotropa sp. were recorded.

Microbial Diversity of Bacterial Species (Rhizobium and Azospirillum) under Different Agroforestry Land Use Systems

This investigation is associated with the microbial diversity of different agroforestry systems. The study interpreted the changes of bacterial population during the duration of the experiments. This study was analyzed by CRBD (Complete Randomized Block Design) with 5 treatments (i.e. agroforestry systems) and 4 replications. The research was conducted on cropping systems at JNKVV, Jabalpur, and the Forest Research Farm during the Rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23. Soil collection was carried out at a depth of Rhizosphere soil (0 to 15 cm) in different agroforestry systems; later on, the soil was tested through the use of serial dilution methods. The bacterial population influence to the decomposition of leaf litter and straw material in the soil.The result revealed that the Rhizobium species population was found in maximum T1-D. sissoo- wheat (66.28 and 66.96 X 107 cfu g-1) in the respective years of 2021-22 and 2022-23, followed by the sequence of population of Rhizobium spp. had T3 (M. pinnata-Wheat) &gt; T2 (G. arborea-Mustard) &gt; T5 (M. indica-linseed) &gt; T4 (A. nilotica-wheat) estimated under agroforestry systems. The Azospirillum species population increases year to year under the agroforestry system. the population sequence under agroforestry system had T1 (D. sissoo-wheat) &gt;T3 (M. pinnata-wheat) &gt; T2 (G. arborea-mustard) &gt; T5 (M. indica-linseed) &gt; T4 (A. nilotica-wheat) obtained under agroforestry systems. The overall conclusion of this investigation is that the bacterial population is obtained under maximum in the D. sissoo with wheat-based agroforestry systems.

Faster than expected: release of nitrogen and phosphorus from decomposing woody litter.

Deadwood represents globally important carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) pools. Current wood nutrient dynamics models are extensions of those developed for leaf litter decomposition. However, tissue structure and dominant decomposers differ between leaf and woody litter, and recent evidence suggests that decomposer stoichiometry, in combination with litter quality, may affect nutrient release. We quantified decomposition and release of C and nutrients from woody litter for two stem sizes of 22 tree species in a P-limited temperate forest near Sydney, Australia, and compared these to estimates from leaf litter literature. Following theory, N and P accumulated during early decomposition, but began to decline earlier than expected based on work in leaves. Woody litter converged on higher C : N (50) and N : P (80) ratios than in leaf litter studies. C : N at which N was released was higher in larger stems (c. 124) than in smaller stems (c. 82), both being higher than in leaf litter. Drawing from the literature, these differences in N and P dynamics may be due to the identity of wood decomposers. C : N of wood decomposers is higher than the mean C : N of leaf litter decomposers, and this difference in stoichiometry may have important flow-on effects for nutrient cycles in forests.

Oribatid mites (Acarina, Oribatida) from French Guyana III. A new subgenus and its type species, Sternoppia (Luisternoppia) subiasi sp. nov. from family Sternoppiidae Balogh et Mahunka, 1969

The first recorded finding of a species belonging to the oribatid mite family Sternoppiidae is reported from French Guyana. Sternoppia (Luisternoppia) subgen. nov., is characterised by a developed transcostula, long notogastral setae and strongly modified epimeral setae 3a and 4a, and its type species, S. (L.) subiasi sp. nov. is described based on individuals collected from leaf litter and upper soil of the tropical rainforest in the Kaw Mountains. A subgeneric diagnosis, type species description and an identification key to the subgenera of Sternoppia are provided.