Proximate lignin and cellulose

Abstract

Lignin and cellulose are structural constituents of vascular plants that can make up a substantial part of litter dry mass (Table 17.1). Both compounds confer toughness to plant tissues (i.e., compressive and tensile strength; Chapter 18). Consequently, plant litter rich in these compounds tends to be highly refractory, with high concentrations particularly of lignin being conducive to slow litter decomposition (Gessner & Chauvet 1994, Berg & McClaugherty 2003).