Methods for Estimating Litter Decomposition

Abstract

Litterfall in terrestrial ecosystems represents the primary pathway for nutrient return to soil. Heterotrophic metabolism, facilitated through comminution by small insects and leaching during precipitation events, results in the release of plant litter carbon as CO, into the atmosphere. The balance between litter inputs and heterotrophic litter decomposition influences the amount of carbon stored in the forest floor. Periodic measurements of litterfall and litter decomposition with standard techniques will provide much needed information on carbon and nutrient cycling in forests. These available methods include mass balance, litterbags, teth- ered leaves, and the cohort layered screen. One must consider the strengths and lim- itations of each method as applicable to the goals of the study, and apply the most appropriate method, or combination thereof. For all methods, sufficient replication is required to accurately estimate stand level decomposition, and site selection for deployment should represent the various microsites likely to be encountered in the forest stand being examine