Global-Scale Similarities in Nitrogen Release Patterns During Long-Term Decomposition
Oregon State University · Southwest University · +3 more institutions
Abstract
Litter decomposition provides the primary source of mineral nitrogen (N) for biological activity in most terrestrial ecosystems. A 10-year decomposition experiment in 21 sites from seven biomes found that net N release from leaf litter is dominantly driven by the initial tissue N concentration and mass remaining regardless of climate, edaphic conditions, or biota. Arid grasslands exposed to high ultraviolet radiation were an exception, where net N release was insensitive to initial N. Roots released N linearly with decomposition and exhibited little net N immobilization. We suggest that fundamental constraints on decomposer physiologies lead to predictable global-scale patterns in net N release during…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 72.38
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 35
Authors
11- WJWilliam J. PartonCorresponding
Oregon State University, Southwest University, Colorado State University, University of California, Berkeley
- WLWhendee L. Silver
Oregon State University, Southwest University, Colorado State University, University of California, Berkeley
- ICIngrid C. Burke
Oregon State University, Southwest University, Colorado State University, University of California, Berkeley
- LGLeo Grassens
Oregon State University, Southwest University, Colorado State University, University of California, Berkeley
- MEMark E. Harmon
Oregon State University, Southwest University, Colorado State University, University of California, Berkeley
Topics & keywords
- Decomposer
- Decomposition
- Edaphic
- Biome
- Litter
- Ecosystem
- Primary production
- Biota