Litter Deposition Research Articles

Beach litter deposition and turnover, effects of tides and weather, and implications for cleanup strategies: A case study in the Lofoten archipelago, Norway

Plastic pollution is ubiquitous in the marine environment. Beach cleanups are considered a cost-effective mitigative measure with generally few negative environmental impacts. Beached litter is not static, however, and may wash back out to sea or be buried, meaning it is only temporarily available for cleanup. We studied deposition and turnover of litter on three Arctic beaches in Lofoten, Norway, biweekly for 31 months. The mean estimated daily deposition rate was 10 items/100 m, with a median residence time of 99 days. Both processes were impacted by seasons and weather and varied both spatially and temporally. Strong winds during the fall increased litter influx and onshore winds contributed to its loss. Heavier objects and those higher on the beach persisted longer yet were still subject to turnover. Snow temporarily buries litter but protects it in the long run. Given the turnover of litter, frequent (albeit smaller) cleanups can readily remove 3–4 times more litter from circulation in the environment than larger, infrequent cleanups. With limited resources, it is recommended to prioritise late fall cleanups.

CARICOM as the Coordination Mechanism for Caribbean Small Island Developing States Participating in the Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations

Abstract The specific processes involved in the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) role as a coordination mechanism for its Member States, composed of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS), participating in multilateral environmental agreement (MEA) negotiations are sparsely documented within academic literature. CARICOM Member States have increasingly suffered from the transboundary movement and deposition of plastic litter on their coastlines. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) convened in November 2022 to develop an international legally binding instrument to manage plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. Known as the global plastics treaty, Caribbean SIDS face inequities in their ability to adequately prepare and participate in this negotiation forum. CARICOM’s history of addressing environmental issues, notably through its participation in MEAs, has positioned CARICOM as a significant negotiating bloc in MEA meetings. This study classifies CARICOM’s systematic coordination processes for preparing its Member States for MEA negotiations and assesses opportunities, challenges and limitations for CARICOM to serve as the coordination mechanism for preparing its Member States for the ongoing global plastics treaty negotiations.

Temperate trees locally engineer decomposition and litter-bound microbiomes through differential litter deposits and species-specific soil conditioning.

Leaf decomposition varies widely across temperate forests, shaped by factors like litter quality, climate, soil properties, and decomposers, but forest heterogeneity may mask local treeinfluences on decomposition and litter-associated microbiomes. We used a 24-yr-old common garden forest to quantify local soil conditioning impacts on decomposition and litter microbiology. We introduced leaf litter bags from 10 tree species (5 arbuscular mycorrhizal; 5 ectomycorrhizal) to soil plots conditioned by all 10 species in a full-factorial design. After 6 months, we assessed litter mass loss, C/N content, and bacterial and fungal composition. We hypothesized that (1) decomposition and litter-associated microbiome composition would be primarily shaped by the mycorrhizal type of litter-producing trees, but (2) modified significantly by underlying soil, based on mycorrhizal type of the conditioning trees. Decomposition and, to a lesser extent, litter-associated microbiome composition, were primarily influenced by the mycorrhizal type of litter-producing trees. Interestingly, however, underlying soils had a significant secondary influence, driven mainly by tree species, not mycorrhizal type. This secondary influence was strongest under trees from the Pinaceae. Temperate trees can locally influence underlying soil to alter decomposition and litter-associated microbiology. Understanding the strength of this effect will help predict biogeochemical responses to forest compositional change.

Litter Deposition and Decomposition in a Tropical Grass-Legume Silvopastoral System

Litter Deposition and Decomposition in a Tropical Grass-Legume Silvopastoral System

Site Quality for Araucaria angustifolia Plantations with Subtropical Cambisol Is Driven by Soil Organism Assemblage and the Litter and Soil Compartments

Different site quality levels in Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze plantations may influence the soil organisms and the interaction between litter and soil chemical properties by providing habitats and nutrients in different pathways. Our aim here was to understand the effect of site quality level in the interaction among litter, soil–solid phase, and organism assemblage on A. angustifolia, Campo Belo de Sul, Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil. In the low site quality, the litter deposition, litter K content, litter Ca content, soil organic matter, soil P content, soil K content, and soil exchangeable Ca reduced by 50.50, 49.54, 11.89, 20.51, 11.74, 61.18, and 35.18%, respectively, when compared to the high site quality. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) grouped the influence of site quality degree into three groups, considering the dissimilarities among soil organisms. The ordination of the soil organisms, richness, and Shannon’s diversity in each studied site quality degree had a stress value of 0.08. The structural equation models showed that the loss of site quality had a negative relationship with soil organism assemblage and soil and litter compartments. Our study highlights the fact that a fertile soil, a soil enriched in organisms, and enough litter support the forest productivity.

Mosses for minimalist green roofs: A preliminary study of the effects of rooftop exposure, species selection, and lab-grown vs. wild-harvested propagule sources

Mosses are rarely explicitly included in urban green infrastructure projects in much of North America. Nevertheless, their opportunistic colonization of impervious surfaces in the absence of intervention, combined with successful tests of their suitability in other parts of the world, suggests that they may be suited to expanded use in applications such as green roofs, and beneficial to urban ecosystem services. Such inclusion requires more detailed knowledge of both general methods for incorporating mosses into green infrastructure, and species-specific knowledge on propagation methods and maximizing growth. In this report, we present a 3-year green roof trial with five types of moss replicated across both wild and lab grown inocula, on both sheltered and exposed asphalt roof surfaces in Atlantic Canada. The exposed roof surface was not conducive to bryophyte survival; repeated wind damage, combined with rapid onset of chlorosis from drought stress, resulted in a complete mortality of all species in that condition. In the sheltered habitat, all species were still present by the third year, but with much lower cover than was present post-installation. In general, wild-harvested shoots survived better than lab-cultivated ones, and those mosses transplanted from shady habitats fared better than those from sunny habitats. We conclude that surface attachment and degree of exposure are the most important factors for establishing moss growth on asphalt roofs, whereas selecting among species may be important only in the context of maximizing long-term growth under highly localized conditions, such as high litter deposition or partial vs. full shade from overhead trees.

Nutrient cycling and soil quality in threatened veredas in two Protected Areas of the Brazilian cerrado

Veredas are humid environments of significant importance for the Brazilian Cerrado. Understanding soil quality and ecological processes between the soil and vegetation in veredas can provide insights into ecosystem dynamics. This study was aimed to assess litter deposition and decomposition, as well as soil quality, including chemical, physical, and microbiological attributes, in two threatened veredas at various stages of conservation in Brazil. The research was conducted in Almescla (a preserved vereda) within the Environmental Protection Area of the River Pandeiros, and Peruaçu (a degraded vereda) located at the Veredas do Peruaçu State Park. Litter deposition was measured using collectors, and decomposition was assessed with litter bags. Soil granulometry, carbon and nutrient contents, and soil microbial biomass were also evaluated to a depth of 20 cm. The litter production was higher in Peruaçu, with the leaf fraction accounting for more than 70% of the total in both studied areas. The decomposition constant (kc) was higher in Almescla vereda. Nutrient concentrations followed a decreasing order of Ca > N > K > Mg > S > P in both areas. Peruaçu vereda exhibited higher levels of clay, available P, and Ca. Microbial carbon, total organic carbon, microbial quotient, and carbon stock were higher in Almescla, whereas the metabolic quotient was higher in Peruaçu. Our results suggest that the degradation of vereda ecosystems may lead to changes in nutrient cycling, with reduced litter deposition and decreased carbon storage.

The dynamics of microorganisms and their association with clam in fresh water ecosystem

Clams are shelled marine or fresh water mullusks belonging to the class Bivalvia. They are invertebrates with shells divided into two pieces called valves. They are rich source of proteins and minerals especially calcium and are recommended in the diet of pregnant women and in protein deficient cases. They inhabit the bottom of fresh water bodies or slow running waters. Fresh water is one which contain less than 0.5 parts per thousand of dissolved salts or other impurities, and are found in fresh water lakes, swamps and some rivers. The deposition of litter, substrates and other faecal materials in water body results in a build-up of pathogenic microorganism (bacteria) in the water which gives high burden on the water inhabitants including clams. The concentration of the bacteria in the water body varies with the season. This research was therefore aimed at accessing the type and density of bacteria and fungi present in fresh water associated with clams, and to determine the effect of the microorganism on the nutritional value of clams over a period of ten months in a fresh water ecosystem. Samples for analysis were water from Itu river, labeled sample A, sample B was water used to rinse the clams, sample C was homogenized clam intestine while sample D was homogenized body of the clam. The microbial load was determined using serial dilution and plating methods. Characterization and identification of microbial isolates was done using different standard biochemical tests, to determine; colonial morphology, Gram staining reaction, spore stain, motility, sugar fermentation, production of indole, coagulase and catalase. The methods as outlined by Association of Official Analytical Chemistry were used for physicochemical and nutritional analysis to test for moisture content, ash content, crude protein, fibre, fats and mineral elements. Results of the various analysis showed that, the total microbial count for the four samples through the ten months sampling period was highest in February with sample C having the highest of 1.2 X 105 cfu/mL, followed by sample D 7.0 X 104 cfu / mL, sample B had 5.8 X 104 cfu / mL while sample A was the lowest with 4.4 X 104 cfu / mL. The count was lowest in the month of September with C having 3.7 X 104 cfu / mL, followed by D with 2.4 X 104 cfu / mL, B had 8.0 X 103 cfu / mL while A the lowest was 4.0 X 103 cfu / mL. Microorganisms present in the fresh water sample and clam were mostly coliform from faecal matter and include; Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Spirosoma lingual, Bacillus cereus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Escherichia coli, Flavobacterium aquatile and Micrococcus varians. We conclude that microbial load was higher in dry season than in rainy season probably due to dilution of the water and its velocity during rainy season. Results also showed that the nutritional values of the clam varies with season and density of microbial load. We recommend proper sanitation in water where clams are harvested and proper boiling of clams and possible removal of the intestine before consumption especially during the dry season.

Shading contributes to Sphagnum decline in response to warming.

Experimental warming of an ombrotrophic bog in northern Minnesota has caused a rapid decline in the productivity and areal cover of Sphagnum mosses, affecting whole-ecosystem carbon balance and biogeochemistry. Direct effects of elevated temperature and the attendant drying are most likely the primary cause of the effects on Sphagnum, but there may also be responses to the increased shading from shrubs, which increased with increasing temperature. To evaluate the independent effects of reduction in light availability and deposition of shrub litter on Sphagnum productivity, small plots with shrubs removed were laid out adjacent to the warming experiment on hummocks and hollows in three blocks and with five levels of shading. Four plots were covered with neutral density shade cloth to simulate shading from shrubs of 30%-90% reduction in light; one plot was left open. Growth of Sphagnum angustifolium/fallax and S. divinum declined linearly with increasing shade in hollows, but there was no response to shade on hummocks, where higher irradiance in the open plots may have been inhibitory. Shading caused etiolation of Sphagnum-they were thin and spindly under the deepest shade. A dense mat of shrub litter, corresponding to the amount of shrub litter produced in response to warming, did not inhibit Sphagnum growth or cause increases in potentially toxic base cations. CO2 exchange and chlorophyll-a fluorescence of S. angustifolium/fallax from the 30% and 90% shade cloth plots were measured in the laboratory. Light response curves indicate that maximal light saturated photosynthesis was 42% greater for S. angustifolium/fallax grown under 30% shade cloth relative to plants grown under 90% shade cloth. The response of Sphagnum growth in response to increasing shade is consistent with the hypothesis that increased shade resulting from shrub expansion in response to experimental warming contributed to reduced Sphagnum growth.

Effects of Canopy Damage and Litterfall Input on CO2-Fixing Bacterial Communities

Extreme weather events often cause canopy disturbance and litter deposition. To study the CO2-fixing bacterial response to forest damage, we simulated the canopy damage caused by extreme weather with four different treatments: control (CN), canopy trimming + removal of branches and leaves debris (TR), canopy trimming + retaining of branches and leaves debris (TD), and undamaged + transplantation of branches and leaves debris (UD). We used the cbbL gene, which encodes ribulose-1,5-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO), for Miseq sequencing to analyze the dynamics of community composition of soil CO2-fixing bacteria for five consecutive years after canopy damage. Double treatments of canopy damage and litterfall inputs (TD) facilitate forest restoration better than single treatments (TR or UD). Most soil CO2-fixing bacteria are facultative autotrophic bacteria, and Nitrosospira, Streptomyces, and Saccharomonospora are the main carbon-fixing microorganisms, which have significant differences during the restoration of damaged forest canopy. The forest ecosystem restoration after canopy damage lasted 4–5 years. Rainfall and pH showed a significant negative correlation with most soil CO2-fixing bacteria communities. This study provides a theoretical basis for improving the carbon sequestration capacity of forest soil CO2-fixing bacteria after extreme weather and also provides guidance for forest ecosystem management.

Physical properties of the litter in successional forests of interfluvial plateau and floodplain in the lower Guamá river, Eastern Amazonia

The forest ecosystems of the Amazonia biome are indispensable for climate regulation and service provision. Among them, the fluvial plains (ESFpf) stand out, due to their role in erosion control and water quality. However, the limited information available on this ecosystem is evident when compared to interfluvial plateaus (ESFpi). Thus, this study aimed to evaluate and compare the litter stock and water storage capacity in successional ecosystems in the Eastern Amazonia. The study ecosystems (ESFpf and ESFpi) are located in the municipality of Belém, Pará, in the region of the lower Guamá River. In each ecosystem, 12 permanent plots (100 m²) were installed, where in the periods of higher and lower rainfall, three subunits of litter samples were randomly collected. Water storage in the rainy season did not differ between ecosystems, while in the less rainy season ESFpf (245.91 ± 73.19%) was higher than ESFpi (182.31 ± 77.25%). For the litter stock, there was no influence of seasonality and in both periods the ESFpi averages were higher. Infer that due to the favorable conditions for the action of the edaphic fauna in the ESFpf, there was a reduction in the contact area of the litter, increasing the water storage capacity. The smaller stock found in the ESFpf allow to infer that there was an efficient cycling of nutrients, since these ecosystems are characterized by high litter deposition. Therefore, the results contribute to the understanding of the functional processes of the Amazon river plains ecosystems.

Transport and accumulation of litter in submarine canyons: a geoscience perspective

Marine litter is one of the most pervasive and fast-growing aspects of contamination in the global ocean, and has been observed in every environmental setting, including the deep seafloor where little is known about the magnitude and consequences of the problem. Submarine canyons, the main conduits for the transport of sediment, organic matter and water masses from shallow to abyssal depths, have been claimed to be preferential pathways for litter transport and accumulation in the deep sea. This is supported by ongoing evidence of large litter piles at great water depths, highlighting efficient transfer via canyons. The aim of this article is to present an overview of the current knowledge about marine litter in submarine canyons, taking a geological, process-based point of view. We evaluate sources, transport mechanisms and deposition of litter within canyons to assess the main factors responsible for its transport and accumulation in the deep sea. Few studies relate litter distribution to transport and depositional processes; nevertheless, results from available literature show that canyons represent accumulation areas for both land-based and maritime-based litter. Particularly, accumulation of fishing-related debris is mainly observed at the canyon heads and walls and is related to fishing activities carried out in and adjacent to canyons, while transport and accumulation of general waste and plastic along canyon axes can be related to different mechanisms, encompassing enhanced bottom currents, dense water cascading and turbidity currents, and is related to the proximity of canyons to shore. Global assessment of canyons exposure to riverine plastic inputs and fishing-related debris indicates varying susceptibility of canyons to litter, also highlighting that most of the canyons prone to receive large amounts of anthropogenic debris have not yet been surveyed. Considering that litter research in canyons is still in its infancy, several knowledge gaps need to be filled before the role of canyons as litter traps and the implication for benthic ecosystems can be fully understood.

A spatially explicit model of tree leaf litter accumulation in fire maintained longleaf pine forests of the southeastern US

The continuity and depth of litter fuelbeds are major drivers of fire spread and fuel consumption. However, no established approach is available for the spatially explicit prediction of litter loads over large areas. Local fuel heterogeneity introduces large uncertainties on estimates derived from field-based models based on the extrapolation of sparse data samples. In fire-maintained pine forests of the southeastern US, litter accumulation and its distribution over the forest floor are mainly driven by vegetation productivity and by the number of years since the last fire (YSF). Some ecological models that simulate fire effects allow for a time-dependent estimation of litter by accounting for the opposing rates of litter deposition and decomposition as a function of YSF at the landscape level, but they do not account for spatial heterogeneity. We developed a conceptually simple approach for wall-to-wall estimation of tree leaf litter loads at high spatial resolution (5 m). The approach involved, first, estimating spatial patterns of tree annual litterfall. We mapped individual tree crowns through segmentation of airborne laser scanning (ALS) data, and we estimated crown foliage biomass using tree inventory data and ALS derived tree crown attributes. Tree annual litterfall was calculated as a fraction of the crown foliage biomass based on leaf turnover rates. We then quantified tree leaf litter accumulation through a spatially explicit implementation of the established Olson (1963) accumulation and negative decay model. We tested and validated our model in several management and research units at Eglin Air Force Base (Florida), Pebble Hill Plantation (Georgia), and Osceola National Forest (Florida), where managers maintain predominantly longleaf pine forests using frequent fire. Pixel-level RMSD and BIAS between tree leaf litter biomass estimated by the proposed model and reference field measurements were 0.21 and 0.01 kg m−2, and area-level RMSD and BIAS were 0.09 and 0.01 kg m−2. We concluded that linking patterns of litterfall and tree leaf litter accumulation to tree crown objects provides a means to characterizing the discontinuity of the litter layer, accounting for spatial heterogeneity largely traceable to tree crown foliage inputs.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air, foliage, and litter in a subtropical forest: Spatioseasonal variations, partitioning, and litter-PAH degradation

Forest canopies play a vital role in scavenging airborne semi-volatile organic compounds. The present study measured polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the understory air (at two heights), foliage, and litterfall in a subtropical rainforest (the Dinghushan mountain) in southern China. ∑17PAH concentrations in the air ranged from 2.75 to 44.0 ng/m3 (mean = 8.91 ng/m3), showing a spatial variation depending on the forest canopy coverage. Vertical distributions of the understory air concentrations also indicated PAH inputs from the above-canopy air. The concentrations of PAHs in fresh litter (with a mean of 261 ± 163 ng/g dry weight (dw)) were slightly lower than those in the foliage (362 ± 291 ng/g dw). Unlike the stable air PAH concentrations for most of the time of the year, the temporal variations of foliage and litter concentrations were remarkable but generally similar. Higher or comparable leaf/litter-air partition coefficients (KLA) in fresh litter compared with living KLA in leaves suggest that the forest litter layer is an efficient storage media for PAHs. Degradation of three-ring PAHs in litter under the field conditions follows first-order kinetics (R2 = 0.81), while the degradation is moderate for four-ring PAHs and insignificant for five- and six-ring PAHs. The yearly net cumulative deposition of PAHs through forest litterfall in the whole Dinghushan forest area over the sampling year was about 1.1 kg, 46% of the initial deposition (2.4 kg). This spatial variations study provides the results of in-field degradation of litter PAHs and makes a quantitative assessment of the litter deposition of PAHs, deducing their residence dynamics in the litter layer in a subtropical rainforest.

Amazonian deforestation and its influence on soil biotic factors and abiotic properties

Deforestation in the Amazonian rainforest is the main cause of biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and climate change. Land covers influence the soil properties, soil biota community composition, and litter properties by providing habitat and nutrients. Our aim here was to present a quantitative analysis of the soil biochemical properties, soil biota assemblage, and litter properties associated with four land covers (primary Amazon rainforest, pasture, Hevea brasiliensis, and deforested sites) from the Brazil’s Legal Amazon, Rio Branco, Acre. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) grouped the land covers in four groups considering the dissimilarities on soil biota abundance between each other. The SEM models showed that deforestation increased the soil pH, and decreased SOC, TN, P, microbial N biomass, microbial C biomass, litter lignin content, litter N, C and P contents, and biodiversity indices (Margalef index, and α diversity). The results of our study highlighted the importance of considering land covers in Brazil’s Legal Amazon, based on a sustainable way to improve soil quality and soil biodiversity, since even the studied monocropping system (pasture) showed decreases in habitat provision (litter deposition) and nutrient availability. Thus, the use of forest systems (H. brasiliensis) or the preservation of primary Amazon rainforest may positively influence the soil chemical properties, soil biota, and litter properties.

Litter Deposition and Nutrient Cycling of Invaded Environments by Cryptostegia madagascariensis at Tropical Cambisols from Northeastern Brazil

Cryptostegia madagascariensis is an invasive plant species that covers 11% of the Brazilian northeastern territory, but its role on the litter trait in tropical ecosystems remains unclear. Here, we analyzed and compared the litter deposition, litter nutrient content, soil organic matter, and the litter decay rate from invaded and non-invaded environments by C. madagascariensis at a tropical Cambisol. The PCA analysis revealed that litter deposition, litter quality, and soil organic matter were correlated with the invaded environment. We grew plant species in greenhouse conditions to obtain a standard litter material to use in our litter bags in field conditions. We found that litter decay rate was higher in the invaded environment than in the non-invaded one. Our results suggest that C. madagascariensis changes litter traits in tropical ecosystems that in turn create negative plant–soil feedback to the native species by creating a physical barrier on soil surface and to promote its own rhizosphere.

Soil Organic Matter Molecular Composition Shifts Driven by Forest Regrowth or Pasture after Slash-and-Burn of Amazon Forest

Slash-and-burn of Amazon Forest (AF) for pasture establishment has increased the occurrence of AF wildfires. Recent studies emphasize soil organic matter (SOM) molecular composition as a principal driver of post-fire forest regrowth and restoration of AF anti-wildfire ambience. Nevertheless, SOM chemical shifts caused by AF fires and post-fire vegetation are rarely investigated at a molecular level. We employed pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to reveal molecular changes in SOM (0-10, 40-50 cm depth) of a slash-burn-and-20-month-regrowth AF (BAF) and a 23-year Brachiaria pasture post-AF fire (BRA) site compared to native AF (NAF). In BAF (0-10 cm), increased abundance of unspecific aromatic compounds (UACs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and lipids (Lip) coupled with a depletion of polysaccharides (Pol) revealed strong lingering effects of fire on SOM. This occurs despite fresh litter deposition on soil, suggesting SOM minimal recovery and toxicity to microorganisms. Accumulation of recalcitrant compounds and slow decomposition of fresh forest material may explain the higher carbon content in BAF (0-5 cm). In BRA, SOM was dominated by Brachiaria contributions. At 40-50 cm, alkyl and hydroaromatic compounds accumulated in BRA, whereas UACs accumulated in BAF. UACs and PAH compounds were abundant in NAF, possibly air-transported from BAF.

Litter deposition in island forests associated with peatlands in the Serra do Espinhaço Meridional - Rio Preto State Park, MG, Brazil

Compreender a dinâmica evolutiva dos capões na paisagem pode subsidiar estratégias de conservação dos ecossistemas de turfeiras em montanhas tropicais e detalhar como diferentes elementos interagem na formação da paisagem. Estudou-se um ecossistema de turfeira na nascente do Rio Preto, em uma superfície de aplainamento conhecida como Chapadão do Couto, no Parque Estadual do Rio Preto (São Gonçalo do Rio Preto, MG) sob altitude de 1.600 m. Analisou-se dois capões de mata com predomínio de floresta estacional semidecidual, um inserido totalmente dentro da turfeira e outro na transição para o Campo Limpo Seco. O propósito foi investigar variações na quantidade e fracionamento de serapilheira aportada em cada fragmento florestal em diferentes épocas do ano, para evidenciar respostas da floresta às distintas condições de inserção na turfeira e como isso afeta a dinâmica de equilíbrio funcional do ecossistema. Quatro coletas de serapilheira foram realizadas no interior dos capões (jun./2018 a fev./2019) por meio da instalação de coletores de 1 m 2 confeccionados com tela de sombrite, suspensos a uma altura de 50 cm. Observou-se uma dinâmica de interações com padrões distintos entre os capões, sendo verificadas variações na serapilheira com relação à intensidade e à quantidade da deposição e dinâmica de deciduidade, está mais associada às condições de umidade do solo do que à temperatura na superfície e outros aspectos da matéria orgânica do solo.

Evaluation of the carbon capacity of single breed wood stands – elements of the green infrastructure of Kharkiv

The value of the carbon capacity of the elements of the green infrastructure makes it possible to find out the amount of accumulated carbon in plants throughout their life, and, as a result, to establish the provision of the city with green spaces. Purpose. To investigate the carbon capacity of the green infrastructure of the Kharkiv city. Methods. Statistical, modeling methods, methods of measurement and comparison. Results. Six objects of single-breed tree stands of the green infrastructure of the city of Kharkiv were studied: linear protective plantings, green boulevards, where the main species is maple (Acer platanoides) and on the territory of the objects of the nature reserve fund - a regional landscape park and a forest reserve, where the main the species is pedunculated oak (Quercus robur). It was determined that about 60-80% of the total amount of carbon accumulates in the living phytomass of plants, litter deposits from 1 to 7% of carbon, and the rest accumulates in the soil. In living phytomass, the largest share of carbon is accumulated in the trunk of the plant, and the smallest amount is in the leaves. There is a direct dependence of the amount of deposited carbon on the area of green spaces, which increases along with the increase in the area of the facility. The total mass of deposited carbon on six researched objects, with a total area of 252.1 ha, is 48357.47 t, or 191.84 t/ha. Conclusions. A direct relationship between the area of green infrastructure objects and the amount of organic carbon deposited in them has been established. The most carbon accumulates in the living phytomass of plants, namely in the trunk of plants, and the least in the leaves of plants. Oak plantations store more carbon than maple plantations.

Soil biota community structure and litter traits of grape vine plantation and natural ecosystem from Southern Brazil

Vitis vinifera is a common plant species cultivated in Southern Brazil for vine production. Although this plant species is commonly found near the Mixed Ombrophilous Forest, the V. vinifera plantation is cultivated in areas for a long-term thus changing the soil ecosystem and functional diversity. We aimed to compare the soil chemical properties, soil biota assemblage, litter traits, decay rate and priming effect in the two adjacent environments (e.g., grape vine plantation vs. natural ecosystem). Soil chemical properties, soil biota community composition, and litter traits of V. vinifera plantation were compared with an adjacent natural ecosystem (e.g., Mixed Ombrophilous Forest) from September 2019 to June 2021. Litter decay rate and priming effect was estimated by using native tree residues on litter bags in both studied environments. We also assessed the influence of soil biota on decay rate through a litterbag assay. Our results showed that both studied environments differed in soil chemical properties and soil biota community composition. However, in the V. vinifera plantation litter decay rate, and priming effect were higher, due to the presence and activities of soil organisms from Collembola - Paronellidae. Thermal amplitude, litter quality, and soil organisms’ activity were the main factors contributing to the data variance. Both native tree residues, A. angustifolia and D. sellowiana, showed the highest decay rate and priming effect in the V. vinifera plantation. Our work increases the understanding of the soil food web and ecological processes (litter deposition and nutrient cycling) into subtropical ecosystems. The V. vinifera plantation following a monocropping system does not provide resources to create a well-developed soil food web, which overtime creates negative plant-soil feedback when compared to the natural ecosystem. However, our study opens a new perspective for a future agroforestry system using two endangered species from the Brazilian Mixed Ombrophilous Forest seeking for vine production, soil sustainability, and biodiversity conservation.